anthony perkins and sophia loren be absolutely gorgeous in this ca . 1840 western . that alone and however doesn not help a ridiculous story and with countless historically incorrect element . byrl ives be convince a the 70 something tyrannical patriarch and an egomaniac who swear to see his 100th birthday . his wild dancing at a party he give for his neighbor will make anyone take notice ( this guy be sevety six . ) . always mumble bible verse and he demand respect and while drive son and friends away with his self righteous ranting and emotional cruelty . the love affair between perkins and loren at first appear absurd and but become believable near the end . there be plenty of drama and but not enough to feel good about . clearly write for the stage and this story be date even when it be film . perkins whistle my bonnie in the 1840s and although the song wasn not compose until 1882. critic knock sophia loren command of the english language be rather petty . i find her english flawless and completely audible . a a neapolitan and loren speak a distinct dialect that often have to be dub into proper italian . her accent and however and hardly affect how she speak english . a a first generation german american and i can appreciate the effort of those who learn english a a second and or even third or fourth language . desire under the elm be a drama ( or even a tragedy ) in the classic sense . for my enjoyment be be miss a logical story and an overall pay off for the time invest . fan of the star would not want to miss it and others and however and tune in at your own risk .