TrueJoshNight Truly Dreadful Film

Ameriatch One of the best films i have seen

SunnyHello Nice effects though.

Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good

daoldiges I've read the book this film is based on, and while I would hardly call it an accurate representation of the book, if taken at face value this film is quite enjoyable really. The sets and costumes really are exceptionally well done and it was a visual delight from beginning to end. All of the performances are solid and in particular Russell does a great job realistically enthusing her character with joy, gusto, and energy. The general story/message of the film is simple but true and always relevant. The only issue I had with the film was Patrick's eventual girlfriend/fiancee, which is such a despicable character that it's hard to imagine someone with Patrick's upbringing going for someone like her. I understand that she was a foil used to represent certain a class/group of society the film is poking fun at, but I don't think they needed to paint her that broadly to make the point. Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed spending time with Auntie Mame.

JohnHowardReid Although the movie spawned a great Broadway success, "Auntie Mame" does not wholly succeed as a film. Morton DaCosta is chiefly to blame. His direction is not only inept, but dull. The screenplay is also wanting. It seems like a watered-down rather than an expanded version of the stage play. The garish photography, sets and costumes, the strident music score, and particularly Miss Russell's heavily theatrical performance also contribute. Admittedly, there are one or two laughs and maybe half-a-dozen dry smiles, but that's not enough to justify this length. At least 30 minutes could come out. The best scenes are those involving Peggy Cass, who went on to reprise her role with great success on Broadway.

Like_Wu_told_me Going into this movie, I had an open mind but expected a stagy, dated comedy. I was very pleasantly surprised to find a snappy, frank, and surprisingly fresh comedy filled with delightful performances and dialogue, colorful costumes and set designs, and a clichéd but solid message about life. Rosalind Russell plays Mame Dennis, who takes in her nephew Patrick (Jan Handzlik) after her brother unexpectedly dies. What ensues is a very fun romp about the adventures and trials of Mame and Patrick over 9 years as he grows up and they weather the Great Depression. The film is populated by a wide assortment of colorful, entertaining characters and comedic situations. And, for a 54-year-old movie, I actually found it to be hilarious. I laughed out loud several times throughout, for example when Mame at one point tries to mount a horse, and the dialogue is genuinely funny without straining too hard, with jokes rarely falling flat. The film's comedic success is amplified by its enormous heart, which takes center stage during several dramatic, emotional moments. The film wears its heart on its sleeve but never lapses into overdone sentimentality. As the movie's famous line goes, "Life's a banquet, and some poor suckers are starving to death." The film's message to live your own way and to the fullest no matter what really resonates, even if it is a bit unoriginal. The film takes thinly veiled shots at the norms, prejudices, and judgments of mid-20th century American society. It has a blast shooting down anti-Semitism, socioeconomic elitism, social judgment (involving such topics as unmarried pregnancy), to name a few, and it's 143-minute runtime flies by. The film itself, especially the cast, seems to be having a great time as it progresses, and I couldn't help but to be sucked right in. The performances are very good across the board. Rosalind Russell is just perfect as Mame, capturing her larger-than-life personality and big heart. She's an ace at spouting out the character's lightning-fast lines with impeccable comic timing. Coral Browne also gives a great comic performance as Vera, although she doesn't have as much depth as Russell. The rest of the supporting cast are all very good as well. Jan Handzlik is endearing and funny as a young Patrick, and Peggy Cass is outstanding in a paper-thin role (she did a good job, but her Oscar nomination is perplexing). I also thought Joanna Barnes was a riot as Gloria, and Lee Patrick and Willard Waterman are excellent as her parents. Overall, Auntie Mame is a hugely entertaining, even uplifting movie filled with wacky characters, spot-on comedic performances, hilarious writing, and a big heart. It's not the deepest movie you'll ever see, or the least conventional, but it's an absolute delight. Highly recommended.

secondtake Auntie Mame (1958)Rosalind Russell is a marvel, and she rules the ship here, thankfully. As a movie, overall, it hasn't worn well. The humor (and it is a comedy above all) is a product of some uptight 1950s Hollywood stuffiness, and the filming (the photography and editing both) are stiff. The movie is filled with rich color, and is sharp as a tack (it uses the superior Technirama lens and camera equipment, as well as newer one-part Technicolor color), but this is hardly compensation for a really dull product.Worst of all, I think, is the story. It attempts to spice up things (mainly, at first, by exposing a child to adult humor, which doesn't totally slip past him) before the Hays Code fell away. It has a kind of "How to Marry a Millionaire" or "Pillow Talk" kind of obvious, forced story line, and if you love those movies, you might truly enjoy this one. But even if you do, you might find that many of the jokes are old, even for 1958. There really are portions, in small spurts, that are touching, or even (I do admit) funny, and some of the music is so period and scintillating, it works. Above and beyond all complaints, I find, popping back and forth through it again (and avoiding the "story" per se), the set designs are really about as good as it gets. Scenes are color coordinated with exquisite perfection, like the department store scene (the one with the Tinker Toys) where it's all grey and red. Great stuff. And the modern apartment with the rising and falling benches (you'll see) is amazing 1950s stuff, pure Moderne. Love it.But that doesn't mean you'll love the movie. Go prepared.