The stage curtains open ...
"How bleak was my puberty!"
"Auntie Mame" (1958) starring Rosalind Russell is a perfect film with one of the best characters to ever grace the silver screen played by one of the best actresses of her time. I was born 10 years after this movie was released, and I watched it for the first time in my early 20's, so it was already 30+ years old before I had even heard of it. I know, I know ... I was behind the times (as usual). But, better late than never, right? And I am SO glad I have seen it. Such a wonderful film at such a pivotal time in my life. But first ... what it's about.
When young Patrick Dennis loses his father, he goes to live with his only remaining relative, his Auntie Mame (Russell), in Manhattan. Eccentric, yet lovable, wild, yet marvelous, Mame sees the little boy for the first time, and as she says, 'It was love at first sight'. She takes him under her wing and introduces him to a completely different life, wanting to broaden his horizons and keep him from becoming ordinary or boring. We watch as Patrick grows into adulthood as a young man, while he and his Auntie learn to cope with loss and change. Each new situation becomes a landmark in his unorthodox childhood, but they are also near and dear to his heart - as he is to Auntie Mame's heart.
When I was in my early 20's, I was going through a divorce, and I was having a hard time dealing with it. In fact, I was miserable. My Mom got tired of me moping around the house (she took me in during that time to help me get back on my feet), and decided to do something about it. Instead of sitting me down and telling me to get my act together, this is what she did. She made me throw on a jacket, get in the car, and then took me down to the Baskin-Robbins where we got some ice cream. Then we went to the video store (yes, I'm that old) and she rented "Auntie Mame". Together, we sat and ate our ice cream and watched the movie. Sometimes, my Mom's ideas weren't so good ... but on this score, she was 100% right. I will always remember that night.
"Auntie Mame" is a special movie to me. It truly helped me through a rough time in my life. It made me smile and laugh - it made me forget my own troubles for couple of hours, and I am so grateful to my Mom for that night. Rosalind Russell was a gem. She was such a wonderful presence on the screen. And she shines in this movie. I recommend this movie at a perfect 10 stars out of 10. It IS movie perfection. If you are ever feeling down or depressed, watch this. Auntie Mame will always make you feel better.
"How bleak was my puberty!"
"Auntie Mame" (1958) starring Rosalind Russell is a perfect film with one of the best characters to ever grace the silver screen played by one of the best actresses of her time. I was born 10 years after this movie was released, and I watched it for the first time in my early 20's, so it was already 30+ years old before I had even heard of it. I know, I know ... I was behind the times (as usual). But, better late than never, right? And I am SO glad I have seen it. Such a wonderful film at such a pivotal time in my life. But first ... what it's about.
When young Patrick Dennis loses his father, he goes to live with his only remaining relative, his Auntie Mame (Russell), in Manhattan. Eccentric, yet lovable, wild, yet marvelous, Mame sees the little boy for the first time, and as she says, 'It was love at first sight'. She takes him under her wing and introduces him to a completely different life, wanting to broaden his horizons and keep him from becoming ordinary or boring. We watch as Patrick grows into adulthood as a young man, while he and his Auntie learn to cope with loss and change. Each new situation becomes a landmark in his unorthodox childhood, but they are also near and dear to his heart - as he is to Auntie Mame's heart.
When I was in my early 20's, I was going through a divorce, and I was having a hard time dealing with it. In fact, I was miserable. My Mom got tired of me moping around the house (she took me in during that time to help me get back on my feet), and decided to do something about it. Instead of sitting me down and telling me to get my act together, this is what she did. She made me throw on a jacket, get in the car, and then took me down to the Baskin-Robbins where we got some ice cream. Then we went to the video store (yes, I'm that old) and she rented "Auntie Mame". Together, we sat and ate our ice cream and watched the movie. Sometimes, my Mom's ideas weren't so good ... but on this score, she was 100% right. I will always remember that night.
"Auntie Mame" is a special movie to me. It truly helped me through a rough time in my life. It made me smile and laugh - it made me forget my own troubles for couple of hours, and I am so grateful to my Mom for that night. Rosalind Russell was a gem. She was such a wonderful presence on the screen. And she shines in this movie. I recommend this movie at a perfect 10 stars out of 10. It IS movie perfection. If you are ever feeling down or depressed, watch this. Auntie Mame will always make you feel better.