1960s: Popular music, such as the songs referred to in the notes for this play, hints at sexual activity.

Today: Many popular songs directly refer to couples having sex.

1960s: Pedophilia is not spoken of. A child lodging a complaint about an older relative's improper conduct could expect not to be believed.

Today: Pedophilia is talked about every day on daytime television. Support groups have been established to give serious attention to charges that family members might not want to admit.

1960s-1970s: Alcohol use is considered an acceptable leisure activity. A "gentleman" is more likely to be able to buy a drink for a sixteen-year-old girl, as Peck does in the play.

Today: After noting the correlation between alcohol and automobile fatalities, most states have become strict about enforcing underage drinking laws.

1960s: America's reliance on mass transit falls to a third of...