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* CollegeWidow: The coach's wife isn't exactly a widow, it's just that her husband doesn't pay much attention to her. This is why she turns her attention to the young man whom his more 'hearty' classmates mistakenly think is gay.
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The original play was one of the first to tackle the topic of sexual orientation, and the prejudice that results. John Kerr played Tom, with Creator/DeborahKerr (no relation) as Laura and Leif Erickson as Laura's husband Bill. All three reprised their roles for the film adaptation. FormerChildStar Darryl Hickman has a small role as Tom's roommate Al.
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The original play was one of the first to tackle the topic of sexual orientation, and the prejudice that results. John Kerr Creator/JohnKerr played Tom, with Creator/DeborahKerr (no relation) as Laura and Leif Erickson as Laura's husband Bill. All three reprised their roles for the film adaptation. FormerChildStar Darryl Hickman has a small role as Tom's roommate Al.
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* DrivenToSuicide: [[spoiler: After failing with Ellie, Tom grabs a knife to kill himself, [[InterruptedSuicide but he's stopped]].]]
* InterruptedSuicide: [[spoiler: After failing with Ellie, Tom grabs a knife to kill himself, but he's stopped]].
* InTouchWithHisFeminineSide: Tom is, and he's mocked for it.
* InTouchWithHisFeminineSide: Tom is, and he's mocked for it.
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* InTouchWithHisFeminineSide: Tom is, and he's mocked for it.
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* AManIsNotAVirgin: Present, as Al correctly guesses that a ButtMonkey like Tom is a virgin. He also reveals that he himself is, and is compelled to make up stories because he's ashamed of it. If Laura is Bill's first wife, certain dialogue implies that he could be too.
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* BlueIsHeroic: Both Tom and Laura are frequently dressed in blue clothes, to emphasise their caring and kind nature.
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* WhyCouldntYouBeDifferent: Tom gets this attitude from his father, who wishes he were more masculine.
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* WhyCouldntYouBeDifferent: Tom gets this attitude from his father, who wishes he were more masculine.masculine.
----
----
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* ComingOfAgeStory: For Tom
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* ComingOfAgeStory: For TomFrom Tom's perspective.
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* ComingOfAgeStory: For Tom
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* DrivenToSuicide: [[spoiler: After failing with Ellie, Tom grabs a knife to kill himself. But he's stopped]].
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* DrivenToSuicide: [[spoiler: After failing with Ellie, Tom grabs a knife to kill himself. But himself, [[InterruptedSuicide but he's stopped]].]]
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[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_0949_7.JPG]]
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''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Creator/VincenteMinnelli, based on the stage play by Robert Anderson (who adapted the screenplay himself).
to:
''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 drama film directed by Creator/VincenteMinnelli, based on the stage play by Robert Anderson (who adapted the screenplay himself).
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The original play was one of the first to tackle the topic of sexual orientation, and the prejudice that results. John Kerr played Tom, Creator/DeborahKerr (no relation) played Laura, and Leif Erickson played Laura's husband Bill. All three reprised their roles for the film adaptation. FormerChildStar Darryl Hickman has a small role as Tom's roommate Al.
to:
The original play was one of the first to tackle the topic of sexual orientation, and the prejudice that results. John Kerr played Tom, with Creator/DeborahKerr (no relation) played Laura, as Laura and Leif Erickson played as Laura's husband Bill. All three reprised their roles for the film adaptation. FormerChildStar Darryl Hickman has a small role as Tom's roommate Al.
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* AgeGapRomance: Tom is nearly eighteen and Laura is definitely over thirty (Deborah Kerr was thirty-five during filming but certain dialogue implies she's meant to be a few years older).
* LovableJock: Al seems to be the only decent jock in the house.
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* MayDecemberRomance: Between Tom, who is about to turn eighteen, and Laura who is either late thirties or early forties.
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* AdaptationalModesty: In the play before the BigDamnKiss, Laura is said to unbutton her cardigan in the script. She does not do this in the film.
* AdaptedOut: The play has a gay teacher who is Tom's OnlyFriend but gets fired over his sexuality.
* AdaptedOut: The play has a gay teacher who is Tom's OnlyFriend but gets fired over his sexuality.
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* {{Bowdlerize}}: The original stage play isn't remotely subtle about Tom being accused of homosexuality, with characters calling him a "pansy" and other epithets, and his close relationship with a gay teacher who was fired once the school discovered his sexual orientation, which sets the plot in motion (something completely absent from the movie). The filmmakers toned this down considerably for the movie, though the subtext is still fairly obvious to modern viewers.
to:
* {{Bowdlerize}}: {{Bowdlerize}}:
** The original stage play isn't remotely subtle about Tom being accused of homosexuality, with characters calling him a "pansy" and other epithets, and his close relationship with a gay teacher who was fired once the school discovered his sexual orientation, which sets the plot in motion (something completely absent from the movie). The filmmakers toned this down considerably for the movie, though the subtext is still fairly obvious to modernviewers.viewers.
** The reason why Tom is MistakenForGay in the play is because he was found on the beach with said teacher, leading to a NotWhatItLooksLike moment. The film just has Tom being seen sewing on the beach with the faculty wives.
** The original stage play isn't remotely subtle about Tom being accused of homosexuality, with characters calling him a "pansy" and other epithets, and his close relationship with a gay teacher who was fired once the school discovered his sexual orientation, which sets the plot in motion (something completely absent from the movie). The filmmakers toned this down considerably for the movie, though the subtext is still fairly obvious to modern
** The reason why Tom is MistakenForGay in the play is because he was found on the beach with said teacher, leading to a NotWhatItLooksLike moment. The film just has Tom being seen sewing on the beach with the faculty wives.
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* UnexplainedAccent: It's never said why Bill has a British wife, although Laura being an immigrant does explain why she feels distant from everyone else.
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* AmbiguouslyGay: Not Tom, who is actually in love with Laura. But certain parts of the play make it look as though Bill is. Laura talks about how they never do anything together, and it's hinted that he was pressured into marrying her. Parts of the film play this up, as Bill ignores his wife on the beach in favor of spending time with his gang of shirtless boys.
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* DoubleStandardRapeFemaleOnMale: Ellie the waitress from the diner is implied to regularly hook up with boys from the school. Admittedly Tom is nearly eighteen, but the age difference never gets questioned. Ellie in fact responds to a call from Tom by asking what's in it for her. Laura's troubled when Tom goes to see her, but it's more to do with her own jealousy and the idea of Tom forcing himself to do something with a woman he's not interested in - as opposed to him nearly being an accessory to statutory rape. Then again, the fact that no one in the area has a problem with a local waitress regularly taking advantage of teenage boys, could be another indicator of just how backwards the system is.
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* GayAesop: The play was one of the first to tackle this - stressing that persecuting someone over their sexuality can have detrimental effects.
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* AManIsNotAVirgin: Present, as Al correctly guesses that a ButtMonkey like Tom is a virgin. He also reveals that he himself is, and is compelled to make up stories because he's ashamed of it. If Laura is Bill's first wife, certain dialogue implies that he could be too.
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''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Creator/VincenteMinnelli, based on the stage play by Robert Anderson - who adapted the screenplay himself.
to:
''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Creator/VincenteMinnelli, based on the stage play by Robert Anderson - who (who adapted the screenplay himself.
himself).
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[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tea_and_sympathy_poster.jpg]]
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It tells the story of Tom Lee - a senior at a boys' prep school. Different from the other boys - in that he prefers music and reading as opposed to sports and rough-housing - he's a frequent target for bullies. They suspect he might be gay, and he faces pressure from his father to be more manly. He gains a kindred spirit in Laura Reynolds, the wife of his coach. She too is lonely at the school and is drawn to be Tom's friend, reminded of her deceased first husband.
to:
It tells the story of Tom Lee - Lee, a senior at a boys' prep school. Different from the other boys - in boys--in that he prefers music and reading as opposed to sports and rough-housing - he's roughhousing--he's a frequent target for bullies. They suspect he might be gay, and he faces pressure from his father to be more manly. He gains a kindred spirit in Laura Reynolds, the wife of his coach. She too is lonely at the school and is drawn to be Tom's friend, reminded of her deceased first husband.
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-> ''"Years from now when you talk about this - and you ''will'' - be kind."''
--> '''Laura Reynolds'''
--> '''Laura Reynolds'''
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-> ''"Years from now when you talk about
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----
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* AllWritersAreWriters: Tom grows up to become an author.
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* MostWritersAreWriters: Tom grows up to become an author.
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* AllWritersAreWriters: Tom grows up to become an author.
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* {{Bowderlize}}: The original stage play isn't remotely subtle about Tom being accused of homosexuality, with characters calling him a "pansy" and other epithets, and his close relationship with a gay teacher who was fired once the school discovered his sexual orientation, which sets the plot in motion (something completely absent from the movie). The filmmakers toned this down considerably for the movie, though the subtext is still fairly obvious to modern viewers.
to:
* {{Bowderlize}}: {{Bowdlerize}}: The original stage play isn't remotely subtle about Tom being accused of homosexuality, with characters calling him a "pansy" and other epithets, and his close relationship with a gay teacher who was fired once the school discovered his sexual orientation, which sets the plot in motion (something completely absent from the movie). The filmmakers toned this down considerably for the movie, though the subtext is still fairly obvious to modern viewers.
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None
Added DiffLines:
* {{Bowderlize}}: The original stage play isn't remotely subtle about Tom being accused of homosexuality, with characters calling him a "pansy" and other epithets, and his close relationship with a gay teacher who was fired once the school discovered his sexual orientation, which sets the plot in motion (something completely absent from the movie). The filmmakers toned this down considerably for the movie, though the subtext is still fairly obvious to modern viewers.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
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''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Creator/VincenteMinnelli, based on the stage play by Robert Anderson.
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[[quoteright:200:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tea_and_sympathy_poster.jpg]]
-> ''"Years from now when you talk about this - and you ''will'' - be kind."''
--> '''Laura Reynolds'''
''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Creator/VincenteMinnelli, based on the stage play by RobertAnderson.
Anderson - who adapted the screenplay himself.
-> ''"Years from now when you talk about this - and you ''will'' - be kind."''
--> '''Laura Reynolds'''
''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Creator/VincenteMinnelli, based on the stage play by Robert
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The original play was one of the first to tackle the topic of sexual orientation, and the prejudice that results. John Kerr played Tom, Creator/DeborahKerr (no relation) played Laura, and Leif Erickson played Laura's husband Bill. All three reprised their roles for the film adaptation.
to:
The original play was one of the first to tackle the topic of sexual orientation, and the prejudice that results. John Kerr played Tom, Creator/DeborahKerr (no relation) played Laura, and Leif Erickson played Laura's husband Bill. All three reprised their roles for the film adaptation.
adaptation. FormerChildStar Darryl Hickman has a small role as Tom's roommate Al.
* AbusiveParents: Tom's dad is emotionally abusive - forcing him to quit the school play, get his hair cut and take part in activities he hates. It's implied with Al's father too, who forces him to change rooms so he won't be with Tom.
* AndThatsTerrible: Laura's letter at the end basically says this. It was tacked on to appease the censors.
* AuthorAppeal: Vincente Minnelli's trademark 'Minnelli Yellow' appears in several scenes - it's the colour of Bill and Laura's kitchen curtains most notably.
* AuthorAppeal: Vincente Minnelli's trademark 'Minnelli Yellow' appears in several scenes - it's the colour of Bill and Laura's kitchen curtains most notably.
* BlueIsHeroic: Both Tom and Laura are frequently dressed in blue clothes, to emphasise their caring and kind nature.
* EmbarrassingNickname: 'Sister Boy' for Tom. It turns into a mini BerserkButton for him as the film goes on.
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* FramingDevice: The story is framed as a flashback when Tom visits the school at a ten year reunion.
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* FramingDevice: A device exclusive to the film. The story is framed as a flashback when Tom visits the school at a ten year reunion.
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* InTouchWithHisFeminineSide: Tom is, and he's mocked for it.
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* TextileWorkIsFeminine: Tom can sew, which he learned from a maid. His father apparently fired her when he found out.
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* VagueAge: Laura's age is left vague. Deborah Kerr was in her mid-thirties but certain lines suggest she's meant to be a little older. Her first husband was in World War I when he was eighteen, putting her in her early forties at the time of the events.
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''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Vincente Minnelli, based on the stage play by Robert Anderson.
to:
''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Vincente Minnelli, Creator/VincenteMinnelli, based on the stage play by Robert Anderson.
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''Tea and Sympathy'' is a 1956 film directed by Vincente Minnelli, based on the stage play by Robert Anderson.
It tells the story of Tom Lee - a senior at a boys' prep school. Different from the other boys - in that he prefers music and reading as opposed to sports and rough-housing - he's a frequent target for bullies. They suspect he might be gay, and he faces pressure from his father to be more manly. He gains a kindred spirit in Laura Reynolds, the wife of his coach. She too is lonely at the school and is drawn to be Tom's friend, reminded of her deceased first husband.
The original play was one of the first to tackle the topic of sexual orientation, and the prejudice that results. John Kerr played Tom, Creator/DeborahKerr (no relation) played Laura, and Leif Erickson played Laura's husband Bill. All three reprised their roles for the film adaptation.
!!Tropes:
* AdaptationExpansion: The play only features Tom, Bill and Laura as characters. Everyone else becomes an AscendedExtra in the film. The play also ends with [[spoiler: Laura and Tom's final kiss]] whereas the film adds an extra scene where the older Tom reads a letter from Laura.
* AllOfTheOtherReindeer: Tom is bullied by his entire class for being different.
* AwfulWeddedLife: Bill and Laura have a very unhappy marriage due to Bill's distance from her.
* BigDamnKiss: Tom gives one to Laura, but it immediately turns into a CryIntoChest. [[spoiler: Tom and Laura have a proper one towards the end]].
* BittersweetEnding: Laura's letter at the end to Tom solidifies this. [[spoiler: Although Tom went onto get married and become a successful author, Laura and Bill divorced and Bill was never right as a result. She also affirms that what they did was still wrong]].
* DanceOfRomance: Subverted, since Tom keeps rebuffing Laura's attempts to teach him how.
* DrivenToSuicide: [[spoiler: After failing with Ellie, Tom grabs a knife to kill himself. But he's stopped]].
* {{Fanservice}}: The beach scene gets the faculty wives into swimsuits, and the other boys with their shirts off.
* AFatherToHisMen: Bill is loved and respected as a coach to his boys.
* FramingDevice: The story is framed as a flashback when Tom visits the school at a ten year reunion.
* GreenEyedMonster: Bill is accused of being jealous towards Tom.
* HotForTeacher: Tom confesses that he was in love with his teacher when he was twelve.
* IShouldWriteABookAboutThis: [[spoiler: It's revealed that Tom is a published author, who turned his experiences into a novel]].
* JailBaitWait: [[spoiler: Laura doesn't allow Tom to kiss her properly until the day of his eighteenth birthday]].
* LeaningOnTheFourthWall: Laura's letter at the end suggests that the very film we've been watching is Tom looking at his past through a RoseTintedNarrative.
* LikesOlderWomen: Seems to be the case with Tom, since he crushed on his teacher and Laura.
* LonelyTogether: Laura and Tom bond because they both feel alone at the school.
* TheLostLenore: Male example. Laura's dead husband is part of her motivation to be there for Tom.
* MayDecemberRomance: Between Tom, who is about to turn eighteen, and Laura who is either late thirties or early forties.
* MistakenForGay: Implied. Tom is made fun of for liking traditionally 'feminine' things, and the movie makes it as clear as possible for a 1950s audience that everyone thinks he's gay.
* OnlyFriend: Al is this for Tom. When he's forced by his father to change houses, Laura has to become this.
* RedheadInGreen: The movie's famous romantic scene between Laura and Tom goes down while redhead Laura is wearing a green evening gown.
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: Tom the Sensitive Guy is contrasted with Manly Men like Bill and Al.
* ShirtlessScene: Tom after his pyjamas get torn off.
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Laura is the lone female surrounded by testosterone. The only other woman in the story is Ellie - the waitress from the cafe downtown.
* StandardFiftiesFather: The story takes place in the 40s but Tom's father fits the dark version of the trope, and his attitude is very damaging for Tom's psyche.
* TokenGoodTeammate: Al, Tom's roommate, tries to ward the bullies off and help Tom out.
* TraumaticHaircut: Attempted by Tom's father, who wants him to look like the other boys. Tom just says the barbers closed and doesn't go through with it. Though he claims he tried to cut his hair the same way as the others before.
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Al is last seen telling Tom that his father wants him to switch houses next year. It's unknown whether he and Tom remained in touch afterwards.
* WhyCouldntYouBeDifferent: Tom gets this attitude from his father, who wishes he were more masculine.
It tells the story of Tom Lee - a senior at a boys' prep school. Different from the other boys - in that he prefers music and reading as opposed to sports and rough-housing - he's a frequent target for bullies. They suspect he might be gay, and he faces pressure from his father to be more manly. He gains a kindred spirit in Laura Reynolds, the wife of his coach. She too is lonely at the school and is drawn to be Tom's friend, reminded of her deceased first husband.
The original play was one of the first to tackle the topic of sexual orientation, and the prejudice that results. John Kerr played Tom, Creator/DeborahKerr (no relation) played Laura, and Leif Erickson played Laura's husband Bill. All three reprised their roles for the film adaptation.
!!Tropes:
* AdaptationExpansion: The play only features Tom, Bill and Laura as characters. Everyone else becomes an AscendedExtra in the film. The play also ends with [[spoiler: Laura and Tom's final kiss]] whereas the film adds an extra scene where the older Tom reads a letter from Laura.
* AllOfTheOtherReindeer: Tom is bullied by his entire class for being different.
* AwfulWeddedLife: Bill and Laura have a very unhappy marriage due to Bill's distance from her.
* BigDamnKiss: Tom gives one to Laura, but it immediately turns into a CryIntoChest. [[spoiler: Tom and Laura have a proper one towards the end]].
* BittersweetEnding: Laura's letter at the end to Tom solidifies this. [[spoiler: Although Tom went onto get married and become a successful author, Laura and Bill divorced and Bill was never right as a result. She also affirms that what they did was still wrong]].
* DanceOfRomance: Subverted, since Tom keeps rebuffing Laura's attempts to teach him how.
* DrivenToSuicide: [[spoiler: After failing with Ellie, Tom grabs a knife to kill himself. But he's stopped]].
* {{Fanservice}}: The beach scene gets the faculty wives into swimsuits, and the other boys with their shirts off.
* AFatherToHisMen: Bill is loved and respected as a coach to his boys.
* FramingDevice: The story is framed as a flashback when Tom visits the school at a ten year reunion.
* GreenEyedMonster: Bill is accused of being jealous towards Tom.
* HotForTeacher: Tom confesses that he was in love with his teacher when he was twelve.
* IShouldWriteABookAboutThis: [[spoiler: It's revealed that Tom is a published author, who turned his experiences into a novel]].
* JailBaitWait: [[spoiler: Laura doesn't allow Tom to kiss her properly until the day of his eighteenth birthday]].
* LeaningOnTheFourthWall: Laura's letter at the end suggests that the very film we've been watching is Tom looking at his past through a RoseTintedNarrative.
* LikesOlderWomen: Seems to be the case with Tom, since he crushed on his teacher and Laura.
* LonelyTogether: Laura and Tom bond because they both feel alone at the school.
* TheLostLenore: Male example. Laura's dead husband is part of her motivation to be there for Tom.
* MayDecemberRomance: Between Tom, who is about to turn eighteen, and Laura who is either late thirties or early forties.
* MistakenForGay: Implied. Tom is made fun of for liking traditionally 'feminine' things, and the movie makes it as clear as possible for a 1950s audience that everyone thinks he's gay.
* OnlyFriend: Al is this for Tom. When he's forced by his father to change houses, Laura has to become this.
* RedheadInGreen: The movie's famous romantic scene between Laura and Tom goes down while redhead Laura is wearing a green evening gown.
* SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan: Tom the Sensitive Guy is contrasted with Manly Men like Bill and Al.
* ShirtlessScene: Tom after his pyjamas get torn off.
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Laura is the lone female surrounded by testosterone. The only other woman in the story is Ellie - the waitress from the cafe downtown.
* StandardFiftiesFather: The story takes place in the 40s but Tom's father fits the dark version of the trope, and his attitude is very damaging for Tom's psyche.
* TokenGoodTeammate: Al, Tom's roommate, tries to ward the bullies off and help Tom out.
* TraumaticHaircut: Attempted by Tom's father, who wants him to look like the other boys. Tom just says the barbers closed and doesn't go through with it. Though he claims he tried to cut his hair the same way as the others before.
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Al is last seen telling Tom that his father wants him to switch houses next year. It's unknown whether he and Tom remained in touch afterwards.
* WhyCouldntYouBeDifferent: Tom gets this attitude from his father, who wishes he were more masculine.
