All Fall Down is a 1960 novel by James Leo Herlihy, which was adapted into a 1962 film of the same name directed by John Frankenheimer. It received "widespread critical acclaim".
Plot introduction The wealthy Williams family is torn apart from within once they invite Echo in.
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-Berry Williams 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 Berry-Berry's actions.
The book goes back and forth from third person to first person (Clinton's diaries).
Characters Berry-Berry Williams – protagonist Clinton Williams – younger brother to Berry Ralph Williams – father Annabel Williams – mother Echo O'Brien – family guest who becomes pregnant by Berry
Film adaptation The 1962 film, directed by John Frankenheimer, stars Eva Marie Saint as Echo O'Brien, Warren Beatty as Berry-Berry, Karl Malden as Ralph, Brandon deWilde as Clinton and Angela Lansbury as Annabel.
Release details 1960, USA, E. P. Dutton, Pub date July 1960, Hardback 1961, USA, Pocket Books (Giant Cardinal Edition), Paperback 1961, UK, Faber and Faber , Pub date ? December 1961, Hardback 1962, UK, Penguin Books, Paperback 1970, UK, Sphere , Pub date 16 July 1970, Paperback 1990, USA, Donald I Fine , Pub date ? September 1990, Paperback
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