Excellent performances by all the cast - especially Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden, Scott Brady and Mercedes McCambridge. The movie shows the devastating results when hate is allow to control others and when those in authority fail to take a stand against corruption - much like today's world. The character of Mercedes McCambridge is totally self-defeating and demonic and gives me a chill each time I see it. The most powerful part of the movie for me was the conclusion showing that despite the hate that exists, love will triumph.