All Fall Down is a 1960 novel by James Leo Herlihy

James Leo Herlihy

James Leo Herlihy was an American novelist, playwright and actor.Born into a working class family in Detroit, Michigan, Herlihy is known for his novels Midnight Cowboy and All Fall Down and his play Blue Denim, all of which were adapted for cinema...

, which was adapted into a 1962 film directed by John Frankenheimer

John Frankenheimer

John Michael Frankenheimer was an American film and television director known for social dramas and action/suspense films...

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Explanation of the novel's title

The novel's title is meant to draw attention to the effect of the self-motivated, destructive passions unleashed within the family home in the course of its story.

Plot summary

When the hedonistic Berry Willert deserts his pregnant lover, Echo O'Brien, his younger brother Clinton's blind faith in him shows signs of waning, while his parents are disgusted by his actions.

Characters in "All Fall Down"

• Berry-Berry Willart – main protagonist
• Clinton Willart – younger brother to Berry
• Ralph Willart – father
• Annabel Willart – mother
• Echo O'Brien – family guest who becomes pregnant by Berry

Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

• The 1962 film directed by John Frankenheimer
  John Frankenheimer
  John Michael Frankenheimer was an American film and television director known for social dramas and action/suspense films...
  
  . Starring Eva Marie Saint, Warren Beatty, Karl Malden, and Angela Lansbury.

Release details

• 1960, USA, Dutton ?, Pub date ? ? 1960, Hardback
• 1961, UK, Faber and Faber ISBN 0-571-04094-2, Pub date ? December 1961, Hardback
• 1970, UK, Sphere ISBN 0-7221-4510-1, Pub date 16 July 1970, Paperback
• 1990, USA, Donald I Fine ISBN 1-55611-192-4, Pub date ? September 1990, Paperback