Review of Auntie Mame (1958) by Cam C — 31 May 2008

I watched this recently for the second time and I have to say, this film is worth seeing for the brilliant performance from Rosalind Russell.

Her Auntie Mame is a larger than life character with presence that dominates over any one else. I enjoyed the dry sense of humor and flamboyant costumes, (that do a far better job at telling us the type of person Mame is, than any description I could give.).

Russell doesn't even have to speak to convey what the audience is thinking.

One look, one prolonged pause and she gets the point across. I honestly can't imagine anyone doing a better job in this role than she. She is infectious and utterly charming.

The tone of the film is very light hearted, and almost never serious. In Mame's life it seems merely one obstacle after another.

There is a wonderful old time theatrical feel which is done by long camera shots and a fade to black technique, I hadn't seen before.

An underrated gem.