Sweet Bird of Youth by Tennessee Williams. Short summary

5 seconds

Chance, whose only asset is his looks, has returned to his hometown. His girlfriend lives there, and he wants to prove to everyone that he is a successful man. But the fame of an alphonse goes ahead of him.

1 minute

In the town of St. Cloud comes Chance, a lover on the payroll of the rich actress Alexandra del Lago. This woman is still beautiful, but age is already taking its toll on her looks. Therefore, the actress has decided to leave the stage, to hide from the public, the press, the gossip.

In his hometown Chance Wayne left his mother and beloved girl, the daughter of the mayor. The mother died alone, but Chance didn’t care — he didn’t respond to telegrams sent by city officials, and the old lady was buried with community money. But the fate of Havenlee Finley worries him.

Dr. Hatcher, learning of Chance’s arrival, visits him at the hotel. He says that because of him, Havenly has undergone major surgery. He advises Chance to leave town before revenge on the girl’s father and brother ensues.

But Chance wants to show the townspeople that he is a successful man. He intends to let them see the dust with the help of Alexandra del Lago. But the old actress does not fall for his blackmail. It is time for Chance to leave. His fame as an alphonse follows him around. But he stays for Havenly.