Auntie Mame (1958)

That was an excellent one.

hyped garbage

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Patrick Dennis becomes a rich orphan after his father's sudden death in 1928. As part of the will, Patrick is kept away from his eccentric Auntie Mame (Rosalind Russell). Despite that, they grow to be a loving family. She becomes poor after losing everything in the financial crash. While working as a sales clerk, she attracts the attention of wealthy oilman Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside. The story continues as Patrick grows up although Auntie Mame is concerned about his stuck-up fiancée and his snooty lifestyle.This is an iconic movie character and forever tied to Rosalind Russell. She exudes joy, smarts, and humanity. The fox hunt is end to end hilarity. I do miss the little boy when Patrick grows up. It would have been fine if the movie stay in that age but the older Patrick does provide Auntie Mame with some intriguing poignant drama. This is a character of characters making it an important movie of its time.

Auntie Mame (1958) is a triumph of American cinema and a personal favorite. With its wit and charm, it will no doubt win your favor and succeed in touching your heart. At its core, it is a story about family and love. It tells us that family – despite the traditional conception – is not so much about blood as it is about unconditional love.Rosalind Russell is absolutely marvelous in her portrayal of this legendary literary, Broadway and Hollywood heroine! She brings such passion to the screen, capturing that joie de vivre that is so characteristically Mame. She is positively hysterical, and as Diana Vreeland would have put it, she really brings "pizazz!"Russell is without a doubt the star of this film, as she carries the whole thing, however, the performances of Coral Browne, as Vera Charles and Peggy Cass, as Agnes Gooch are priceless. A true comedian is fabulous on his or her own, but there's just something about a comedy duo that is incomparable. The chemistry between Russell and Browne and consequently, Mame and Vera is phenomenal, a true gem in the history comedic achievements! The bedroom scene is, to me, one of the funniest moments in cinematic history; I've seen the film countless times, yet I still laugh as hardily as I did the first time I saw it.Though some may write off Auntie Mame as another campy 50's comedy, it is most certainly not that. It is a special film of many dimensions, and it is as touching as it is funny. I can think of few films that have made me cry in all the three ways, from overwhelming laughter, joy and empathetic sorrow. Perhaps Auntie Mame will not provoke such a response from all its viewers, but I guarantee that it will unexpectedly warm the hearts of everyone who sees it. It is a delight that everyone should experience at least once, perhaps more. It's a largely forgotten treasure that uplifts and still stands the test of time. It belongs to that glorious breed of film that has no targeted, niche audience and that is appealing to all. P.S. For anyone considering becoming a parent, you must watch this film; it will surely inspire you!

Forrest Tucker was an acquaintance of my adoptive father's. Pa adored him in the "Crunch & Des" TV series from the mid-'50s but could not understand why he ever deigned to be a part of this "West Hollywood weirdness." (Dad spent a lot of time in WH in those days, but was very much a stranger in strange land.) I was too young to "get" all this in '58... BUT a lifetime in and around La and Palm Springs -- and their eccentricities -- was enough to elevate my consciousness. One might not wish to share in =all= the "fun," but let's face it: A little time outside the common cult-ural box most of us are forced to live in to make enough to pay the rent is good for everyone. They used to call shows like this "comedies of manners." Any wonder?

"Ten-year old orphan Patrick Dennis has come to live with his nearest relative, and in the high times ahead, he's not going to believe his luck. Nor will you, because Patrick's relation is played by one of Hollywood's greatest dames. Reprising her Broadway triumph, Rosalind Russell won her fourth 'Oscar' nomination and third 'Golden Globe' award as the marvelous madcap who lives life to the hilt. 'Auntie Mame' brings to bubbly life the mayhem Mame and her cronies create while guiding Patrick's fortunes. 'Life is a banquet,' Mame says, 'and most poor suckers are starving to death!' With wit, style and a seasoned cast to dish humor and heart with gusto, 'Auntie Mame' is a full course meal of entertainment magic," according to the DVD sleeve description...It's difficult to believe the play was this long... but, an intermission and the change to see Ms. Russell perform the role live world have more than made up for the duration. Energetically recreating her stage hit, Russell is the best thing about this film. This ended up being her most critically acclaimed role, with the award notices above bolstered by "Film Daily" (where Russell placed second) and the "New York Film Critics" (she was ninth). The former organization's "Supporting Actress" winner Peggy Cass (as Agnes Gooch) enlivens the film's second half considerably. In what may be perhaps her best role, Ms. Cass is hilarious. She lived, with her noisy dog, next to a friend of mine on the east side of Manhattan, and did not like us blasting loud rock music... ******** Auntie Mame (12/27/58) Morton DaCosta ~ Rosalind Russell, Coral Browne, Peggy Cass, Forrest Tucker