MovieChat Forums > Death of a Salesman (1985) Discussion > Key scene missing from the film

Key scene missing from the film

posted 13 years ago by palaceXpression
5 replies | jump to latest

*possible spoiler*

Biff makes a phone call to his mother from the restaurant. Linda is ecstatic when she answers, remarking that "she's so glad Biff called." She tells Biff that the rubber hose is gone from behind the water heater, thinking that Willy had removed it and disposed of it. Biff tells his mom that HE removed the hose. Linda is crestfallen.

To me, this is a very key scene in the play. Linda was feeling that the storm had passed and everything was going to be okay. In a moment of irony, it's Biff who crushes her spirits for good--and so casually at that. Linda tries to get back up at later points in the story, but always seems shaky. She even gets almost violent with the boys at one point, revealing her frustration at being powerless toward the overall situation.

Another key part of the scene mentioned is when Linda tells Biff to make sure he has his comb, indicating that even she believes image is critical to success.

The more you let yourself go, the less others let you go. -Friedrich Nietzsche

[–] card53 12 years ago

The scene is not in the play. I've taught DOAS for 28 years, seen it on stage with Hoffman, George C. Scott, and Brian Dennehy, and I can assure you that no such scene ever existed in Miller's script.

The one version I've never seen is the film with Fredric March. Perhaps the scene you describe was from that film (which Arthur Miller hated, so I have my doubts as to whether the added scene was written by him).

It may add a moment in terms of characterization, but it doesn't seem "key" in terms of the play's themes. Besides, Linda's had many years of experience at having her spirits crushed.

[–] palaceXpression 12 years ago

Well it was in the version of the play I got from the library. I believe it was L.A.Theatre Works / Eric Simonson directed. At any rate it's a brilliant piece of dialog that adds a dimension to Linda's character and sets the tone for the remainder of the play.

Since the themes mainly revolve around the male characters, I agree that it's not crucial. But for me, the story isn't complete without this 30 second exchange.

[–] moviegirl16-117-385923 12 years ago

It absolutely is in the play. It's not in the film and it could very well be removed from stage productions of the play. But it is in the play. Look again.

[–] card53 11 years ago

Only a year and a half to reply...;-)

Yes, there's egg on my face regarding this point. I read the play many times before this version was made, and I never saw a need to return to the script in later years. I've been showing the Hoffman version of the play to my classes for so long, I just forgot about that scene. You're right, I'm wrong, and there you are.

For what it's worth, I think the play works better without it. It makes for a slightly more powerful moment when Biff whips out the hose (no double entendre intended!) in the final scene and everyone, including Linda, is shocked and unprepared for it. In the original script, it almost seems like a little filler scene that Miller inserted to accommodate the scene change. Just my take on it.

Sorry for any belligerent ignorance in my original post.

[–] sethdhanson 10 years ago

Bravo!

I'm impressed with your correction post. It takes a big person to admit you're wrong.

Question for all of you - I've seen this Hoffman film version so many times, and I have to read the play for school. Is there any difference (other than the aforementioned scene) between the two?

Thank you.