'' Desire Under the Elms '' is a 1958 American film version of the 1924 play '' Desire Under the Elms '' written by Eugene O'Neill . The film was directed by Delbert Mann from a screenplay by O'Neill and Irwin Shaw . The cast included Sophia Loren as Abbie ( known as Anna in the film ) , Anthony Perkins as Eben , Burl Ives as Ephraim , Frank Overton as Simeon , and Pernell Roberts as Peter . The film was nominated for Best Black and White Cinematography ( Daniel L. Fapp ) at the Academy Awards and Laurel Awards in 1959 . It was also entered into the 1958 Cannes Film Festival
1958 Cannes Film Festival
1958 Cannes Film Festival
Desire Under the Elms (film)