A Brilliant Conflict

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

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

This is such a unique concoction! The novel by Patrick Dennis was very funny, the stage play was wonderful, and so is the movie version starring Rosalind Russell. I have very much enjoyed this film through the years since I was young and have always looked for it on television and at last bought my own copy on VHS and finally on DVD. I have enjoyed all the reviews here on IMDb and salute them all. I find Ms. Russell peerless in this film, Lucy woefully miscast in the musical version, and the other performers charming. Jan Handzlik was perfect as the nephew and I am only sorry that he didn't continue his acting. But considering the toll that show business takes on the young performer he probably made an excellent decision. And he seems to have had a fine life in the legal profession so I salute him for his accomplishments and thank him for his work in "Auntie Mame". This is one film I don't tire of watching. The DVD version has a unique feature...you can watch the film with only the wonderful soundtrack by Bronislau Kaper playing. I love his music here...at times very sentimental and melodic and a perfect accompaniment to the images on the screen.

This is one of my top 3 favorite movies. You might say I am obsessed with this movie. I have no idea how many times I have watched it. I have lost count. I can't imagine anyone playing Mame any better than Rosalind Russell. I agree with another reviewer, in reference to the movie Mame with Lucille Ball. I LOVE Lucille Ball, but Ms. Russell was the ultimate Mame. I really did not care for Mame at all. Auntie Mame is a wonderful movie. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, but mostly it will give you so much joy. Auntie Mame loves life and lives it to the fullest. When she loves, its with her whole heart and soul. Its like her book.. Live Live Live. The movie takes you from Mame as a kooky free spirit with no responsibilities or cares, to now having a child that depends on her. But there are many times that you have to wonder who is taking care of who. Lots of fun and laughs...canapé with tuna and peanut butter, anyone?

Orphaned boy is raised by flamboyant aunt (Rosalind Russell) and we see him go from child to man. The whole movie is basically a hurricane performance by Russell, as she blows away everybody else on screen. The rest of the cast is fine (with one noticeable exception), but Russell is on a different planet. The exception to the fine cast is Peggy Cass as Agnes Gooch. I couldn't stand this character or the performance. It was so theatrical it felt out of place. One could argue Russell's performance was theatrical as well, but being a screen vet she knew how to strike the right balance between the two. I could picture Cass doing this shtick in the play and it would go over big. As a matter of fact, it did go over big as she won a Tony for it. But, to me, it does not translate to screen well at all. Regardless, it's a good movie. Fun, witty, and full of heart. I preferred the first half most. Once Gooch and Robin Hughes' character enter the picture it loses a little of its shine. I am sure my opinion on that is in the minority, but it's how I feel. See it for yourself and decide.

"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