The Subterraneans

Synopsis

The Subterraneans (1960) is a drama directed by Ranald MacDougall, based on the Jack Kerouac novel of the same name. Set amidst the bohemian jazz scene of late 1950s San Francisco, the film follows a beatnik writer named Leo Percepied who embarks on a brief, passionate affair with Mardou Fox, a young, free-spirited woman of mixed race immersed in the underground subculture. Their relationship explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations against the backdrop of a countercultural world that challenges conventional norms. The film attempts to capture the essence of the Beat Generation’s restless spirit but adapts Kerouac’s raw and improvisational tone into a more structured Hollywood narrative.

Cast

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  Leslie Caron

  Mardou Fox

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  George Peppard

  Leo Percepied

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  Janice Rule

  Roxanne

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  Roddy McDowall

  Yuri Gilgoric

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  Anne Seymour

  Charlotte Percepied

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  Jim Hutton

  Adam Moovad

Reviews

Critically, The Subterraneans received a mixed to negative reception upon release and has continued to be viewed as an uneven adaptation of Jack Kerouac's novel. On IMDb, it holds a modest rating of 5.0/10, reflecting divided audience opinions. Many critics praise Leslie Caron's performance as Mardou Fox, noting her charm and the energy she brings to the role. However, reviewers often criticize the film for glossing over the deeper, more authentic aspects of the Beat culture and for its sanitized portrayal, which some felt betrayed the spirit of the original novel. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a sufficient critic consensus due to the film's age but aggregates a generally low audience score. Contemporary critics from film historians have pointed out that while the film looks stylish with its jazz score and period detail, its narrative lacks depth and struggles to effectively translate Kerouac's spontaneous prose to screen. The direction and screenplay were also seen as too conventional, which made the film feel dated and less impactful than other, more faithful Beat Generation adaptations. In summary, while it offers a glimpse into 1960s counterculture with memorable performances, The Subterraneans falls short of capturing the novel's authentic Beat ethos, making it a niche viewing for those interested in the era or classic cinema.

See also

Fantomas Unleashed

Q

Losers' Club

Box