Other Titles • Auntie Mame • Die Tolle Tante (1958)
Synopses for Auntie Mame (1958)
1.
Remember darlings, "Life's a banquet, and most suckers are starving to death." That tag line sums up this exuberant and immensely amusing 1958 comedy that can be seen repeatedly, as it never grows stale. Rosalind Russell plays the flamboyant aunt who takes in poor, orphaned Patrick, played with sophisticated ease by Jan Handzlik. Mame, all glitter and martinis, raises her nephew in a world filled with acceptance and her oddball literati friends. Nothing is too bohemian. This unfolds in colorful episodic segments that allow us to watch Patrick grow as Mame oversees his unusual upbringing while she juggles a few spouses and an extended household. Russell, who created the title role for the stage, simply shines. She is bright and brassy, but never goes too far over the top. Peggy Cass is a comedic delight as her befuddled secretary, and Coral Browne brings class to the production as her best friend. This was based on the exuberant stage play, which in turn was based on Patrick Dennis's humorous, bittersweet novel. The screen version was written by the clever duo of Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Not to be confused with the pathetically lackluster musical version starring Lucille Ball (1974), simply entitled Mame. --Rochelle O'Gorman
(15 votes)
2.
Sharp-witted, zippy comedy about a woman who lives life to the absolute fullest. When her orphaned 10-year-old nephew shows up on her doorstep, a new life begins for both. Mame's digs provide a cool look at what the 1950s considered bohemian hip, too. Later became the Broadway warhorse, Mame. Academy Award Nominations: 6, including Best Picture, Best Actress--Rosalind Russell.
(15 votes)
3.
Feast at the banquet of this "walloping, rip-roaring hit." --Clive Hirschhorn, THE WARNER BROS. STORY
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.
(15 votes)
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