MovieChat Forums > Bus Stop (1956) Discussion > Subplot with Elma

Subplot with Elma

posted 19 years ago by intriguement
2 replies | jump to latest

I've seen the play of Bus Stop, and I was wondering if the movie includes the subplot about Elma Duckworth and the Professor. . .
Just in case it doesn't, here's a synopsis for any loyal fans who are interested: Basically, the professor is an alcoholic who has been fired multiple times for molesting students, and he tries to strike up a flirtation with the impressionable young Elma. They even decide to act out the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet for the other people at the diner. Luckily, however, as the professor says Romeo's lines, "My name is hateful to myself," he suddenly realizes the full meaning of his despicable behavior. He decides to leave Elma alone and get his act together. Between her experience with the professor and watching Grace's behavior with Carl and the other truck drivers, Elma sort of has a sexual awakening. This scene also gives the play a much darker tone. The dark tone is emphasized because the play ends with Carl saying that he's not getting back on the bus. Grace tells him, "Well, you can't stay here," and Carl replies, "That's okay, I guess some people are just left out in the cold." It's a really depressing, sudden ending. I assume the movie ends with some happy-go-lucky scene of Bo and Cherie back at the ranch.

[–] dadatwork1 19 years ago

Quick note here... Virgil says the final line "That's OK, I guess..." Carl is the bus driver, and well, the play never would have ended if HE hadn't gotten back on the bus. :)

Anyway, I like your addition to this string, as the play was a broader study of Love and Loneliness, as opposed to the "Monroe Vehicle" the movie is.

No offense to Marilyn is meant in any way.

[–] phils_phan 17 years ago

Maybe I fell asleep, but the only thing Elma did was ride on the bus to the town (why??) and serve as an example to Beau that this person was lovely, but not HIS ANGEL. (Which is funny since in real life they were married or getting married soon.) And when the bus came back to the diner, Elma helped Marilyn with her clothes changing, and then helped feed the 2 random kids who were also marooned at the diner (due to the major snowstorm) and had been on the bus. There was no professor in this.

Also, I thought that the movie version implies that altho Carl the womanizing bus driver WANTS to go upstairs and sleep with Grace, he doesn't get to. After the snowstorm clears, Carl says, well, Grace, maybe next time I pass through here you will keep a half a glass of beer cold for me. Or something! OR was that implying that they drank half a glass that night and they DID sleep together. not clear.