Auntie Mame

Rosalind Russell -IS- Auntie Mame and there is no doubt in my mind that she being cast in the role was a perfect choice. I read Dennis' book and I have to stress that anyone who loves this film but who has not read the book should read it. I think they did a great job in adapting the novel to film although I could imagine the great temptation to include the very racy parts of the novel. If they did include them, the "G" rating would probably have needed to be changed to "R". One of my favorite lines in the film is delivered so expertly by actress Coral Browne (Vera Charles), who upon being wakened out of a drunken sleep (with bottle still in hand) looks out the window at the sun and says "Ohhh---that moon is bright". Another favorite line delivered by Russell (in Mame's comment about Vera Charles' phony English accent) "When your from Pittsburgh, you have to do something". Rosalind Russell brought such magic to the character of Auntie Mame so much so, that I wish I had an Aunt like her. Auntie Mame helps stress the point to appreciate diversity in life and to live life to the fullest. I have often chosen to watch my copy of this film when feeling low and I can tell you it is a spirit lifter.

source: Auntie Mame

Trailer—Auntie Mame

Auntie Mame

Auntie Mame is such an excellent film it is hard to describe its excellence in words. It shows that having a positive outlook on life will take you far. Mame Dennis is the woman that single-handedly saved the life of her nephew, Patrick, from the depths of petty commercialism and widened his horizons beyond his greatest dreams. This, in my opinion, should have been on the Greatest Films in American History List but perhaps if enough of you video-renters go out and get this fabulous film it will indeed be counted for consideration. Go out and buy or rent this wonderful film and live life to the fullest.

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.

St. Iranaeous said it: "The glory of God is man fully alive." Auntie Mame in her own way lives this life. This may not appear to be a deep movie. But, Mame lives a life that as Agnes Gooch says "I see what she's been living. And I see what I've been missing." She doesn't miss a moment. She's a caricature for so many of the things that go wrong with "growing up" and becoming "mature and responsible". At the end of the day Mame shows the possibilities of a life led to the full. Of a life that is truly vital and alive. This is a movie everyone who wants to leave this world without leaving money on the table should watch and take to heart. Mame is childlike, fun, and living without fear of what others think. This is on my top 10 list.

"Auntie Mame" is a comedy for all time. It was released in 1958, and it remains a cinematic treasure for all to enjoy. Rosalind Russell gives the performance of her lifetime. She remains quick and witty throughout the film as Mame Dennis, the delightfully funny aunt of Patrick Dennis whose deceased father puts her in charge of his life. The author, also by the name of Patrick Dennis, deserves kudos for this excellent film adaptation. One of the more memorable characters, Agnes Gouch, played by Peggy Cass, provides the audience with comic antics that make you chuckle for days after viewing this picture. It is a perfectly delightful comedy that must be in the serious collector's film library. Don't miss it.

Rosalind Russel in the role of a lifetime. Auntie Mame leads her beloved nephew on a roller-coaster ride from riches to rags back to riches, always teaching the boy to "live life to the fullest". The story begins just prior to the great stock market crash of 1929 and spins into present day (1958). There are delightful moments with colorful characters, most noteworthy "Miss Gooch", an unwed mother and thus an outcast of respectable society. There are several touching scenes when the family is suffering in the great depression, but just as many funny ones, i. e. where Auntie Mame puts some biggoted snobs in their place. I enjoyed this film slightly more than the later Lucille Ball musical version. Although Rosalind Russel is quite flamboyant, Lucille Ball is completely "over the top" and thus less credible. I recommend the 1958 original over the remake, although both are wonderful entertainment.

Sometimes you see a movie and you know that the actor or actress in it was born to play that part. Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind Bette Davis in All About Eve Barbra Streisand in Hello, Dolly Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame I love Russell and the parts she played. She was a liberated woman before the rest of the world knew that women needed to be liberated. But in Auntie Mame she reached her peak. Mame is so vibrant and alive. She flaunts every one of Mame's eccentricities without stepping over the line into caricature. She also brings alive Mame's decency, compassion and tolerance. When I watch it, I almost feel ashamed of myself for being such a stick in the mud. I enjoyed the musical with Lucille Ball, but all the way through it - I wanted it to be Rosalind Russell playing the part. It takes very little imagination on my part to hear her singing the songs. Rosalind, you are "just sensational" as Mame.