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.

Naught Moses 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?

wes-connors "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

gavin6942 Mame Dennis (Rosalind Russell) is a wealthy older woman who has earned her fortune by marrying well-off men, each of whom have met deadly fates. She cares for her nephew, but a problem arises when he sets his sights on marrying a wealthy, very conservative woman. Mame is a bit loose in her morals and does not approve.This film was based on a play, and interestingly enough the creative forces behind the movie decided to keep it very much in that style. The scenery is relatively minimal, with characters walking in and out of a large apartment's main room. Also, after each scene, the lights noticeably dim, giving the character of that scene a few extra seconds in their own light. I liked this approach.The film's lesson is pretty simple: stay true to your roots and be true to yourself. Whether or not the main character learns that... well, you have to watch to find out.