Review of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) by The Critic ( — 27 Feb 2013

The truth is as dirty as lies.

Maggie and Brick are two lovers with no children that continuously argue. Brick's father is dying of colon cancer unbeknownst to his dad. Brick is a drunk due to reasons unknown to the family. He has quit his job and has no real ambitions. His family is too busy fighting for the dying father's assets to care about Brick and Maggie. Is there any chance to repair their relationship and place in the family or will the family go up in flames with the death of the father?

"I don't trust a man that don't drink.".

Richard Brooks, director of In Cold Blood, The Professionals, Elmer Gantry, Bite the Bullet, Fever Pitch, The Happy Ending, Sweet Bird of Youth, and Battle Circus, delivers Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The storyline for this picture is very good and concludes brilliantly. The acting is absolutely amazing and the cast includes Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Burl Ives, Jack Carson, Judith Anderson, and Vaughn Taylor.

"Maggie the cat is alive.".

I recently DVR'd this picture which was airing on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). I am a huge Paul Newman fan and this was the perfect role for him. His characters transformation and revelation was delivered perfectly and Elizabeth Taylor was brilliant as the lead actress. I strongly recommend seeing this picture.

"What is the victory of a cat on a hot tin roof?".

"Just staying on it, I guess, as long as I can.".

Grade: A.