The film stars Natalie Wood, Steve McQueen, Edie Adams, Herschel Bernardi and Harvey Lembeck.

The film also marked the screen debut of Tom Bosley and features a brief, uncredited appearance by the director's younger brother Richard Mulligan, who later became a well-known television actor.

The film tells the story of first generation Italian, Angie Rossini, a salesclerk at Macy's department store who finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand with part-time musician Rocky Papasano.

Angie says she does not want to make the same mistake again, citing the "bells and banjos" she expects in her relationships, and that after all the time spent together, she actually "likes him".

The next day, Rocky wins her heart by waiting for her outside the crowded Macy's, holding the sign, "Better Wed Than Dead", ringing bells and playing a banjo.