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Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

August. 29,1958
|
7.9
|
NR
| Drama

An alcoholic ex-football player drinks his days away, having failed to come to terms with his sexuality and his real feelings for his football buddy who died after an ambiguous accident. His wife is crucified by her desperation to make him desire her: but he resists the affections of his wife. His reunion with his father—who is dying of cancer—jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.

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Steineded
1958/08/29

How sad is this?

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ShangLuda
1958/08/30

Admirable film.

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RipDelight
1958/08/31

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

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FirstWitch
1958/09/01

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

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christopher-underwood
1958/09/02

Very fine adaptation of the Tennessee Williams play that is both literate and entertaining. Being pretty faithful to the original this takes place only within a couple of room plus a small amount of exterior shooting but still hold the attention so well because of the wonderful dialogue and the performances. Burl Ives is as good as I have ever seen him and Paul Newman is great but it is Elizabeth Taylor that shines so brightly throughout. A little too brightly at times as to put some of the cast in the shade - a bit like Marilyn Monroe did on occasion. I purchased this on Blu-ray along with Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and it occurs to me watching the Tennessee Williams that Edward Albee must have been influenced in the writing of his play after seeing this. The full horrors of the family history are gradually revealed with key moments prompting more revelations as we proceed, there is much emphasis on the leading lady having or not having a child and then there is the drinking. Both great pieces of writing from which two great films were made and so impressed was I with this that I wonder if 'Who's Afraid' will remain my favourite.

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elvircorhodzic
1958/09/03

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF is a drama about disruption, anger, lies, life storm and unrequited love in a rich family. It's hard to find a movie with a lot of brutal, greedy, dishonest and unfortunate characters. This is one of those films.Members of one family have gathered to celebrate the birthday of a wealthy landowner, who is the head of the family. In addition, they eagerly await the results of a medical search, because the landowner is seriously ill. If the results are positive, his children will inherit his fortune. However, family members, finally, have to look each other in the eye and say what they really think ...This is a very explicit drama about the lives of people which are lost in their own lies. They are ready for anger, hatred and greed through „toxic" dialogue, but are not ready to hear the truth about themselves and their family. Traces of happiness and love are only visible as a kind of illusion.The story, through the constant tension, handles serious family topics. However, serious family problems often transcend logic in one melodrama. This is especially noticeable in the characterization. Complex characters need a lot of space. Conflicts are full of violent and vulgar emotions. It is a more realistic picture of life, which is filled with lies and lack of understanding.I have noticed a certain fear of truth in some of the protagonists. They are actually in conflict with the ghosts of the past and can not move on. Mr. Brooks has tried to show us the real love and happiness in relation to material wealth. However, there is something missing. Perhaps an allusion to homosexuality, which he has skillfully hidden in the story. Perhaps the lack of human warmth .... The story, in which human weakness, the secrets of the past and hidden desires describe human personality is hard to believe.Paul Newman as Brick Pollitt is a former athlete and current drunkard, who is, despite that, looking very good. He despises his wife, who infinitely loves and wants him. Brick is haunted by the spirit of the past - the best friend. Mr. Newman is simply brilliant with a thoughtful expression on his face and a half-empty glass in his hand. An expert for character roles. Elizabeth Taylor as Margaret "Maggie/Maggie the Cat" Pollitt is truly a cat on a hot tin roof. She is passionate, impatient, sharp on the tongue, calculated, but desperate woman, who is willing to do anything to restore the love of her beloved husband. Maggie is grumpy and gentle, combative and fragile at the same time. The woman who is on the verge of an emotional precipice ready to stubbornly raise her head and move on.Burl Ives ( Harvey Pollitt) is a real thunderstorm in the house. Judith Anderson (Ida Pollitt) is a woman who can not accept any truth in addition to a sense of illusionary love. It's hard to be a mother. Jack Carson (Cooper Pollitt) is pretty boring as greedy and deceptive older brother. Madeleine Sherwood (Mae Pollitt) does a fine job as a foul-mouthed and squeaky little woman who smelled "treasure".Ironically, the film ends with the most pronounced lie. However, afterwards, everyone is happy.

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SnoopyStyle
1958/09/04

A drunken ex-football player Brick Pollitt (Paul Newman) hurts his leg while jumping hurdles like the good old days. He and Maggie (Elizabeth Taylor) are back for his father Big Daddy's (Burl Ives) 65th birthday only because it might be his last. Mae (Madeleine Sherwood) and Gooper (Jack Carson) have brought their bratty kids for the same reason but Big Daddy still likes Maggie more. Big Daddy comes back with news that it was all a false alarm. Brick is itching to leave. Their marriage has been on the rocks for some time. Big Mama (Judith Anderson) berates Maggie of being childless. Then Dr. Baugh tells Brick that Big Daddy is actually dying and he had lied to him about it. The death of Brick's 'friend' Skipper had hit him hard.Newman and Taylor are in fine form. Their acting is electric especially Taylor. The rest of them are all top notch. The homosexuality subject of the original Tennessee Williams play is covered up quite a bit, and there is a tacked on happy ending. Even with all the changes, the movie still sizzles. Burl Ives' massive performance is dominating. This is one of the few well-made classics that needs a big remake and I think many are willing to help out.

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Mr-Fusion
1958/09/05

I don't think I've seen Elizabeth Taylor as gorgeous as she is in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". Just stunning. And she gives a great performance in the film, adding to the terrific ensemble cast (Newman, Ives, Carson, Anderson, Sherwood) in this near-2- hourlong argument that feels just like you're watching a stageplay. The dialogue bristles and keeps your attention rapt even as you pray for these people to stop punishing each other. Not I've wanted to punch someone so badly as I did sister Mae and her no-neck heathens. At the very least, the incorrigible Newman came to his damn senses and learned to love Taylor again. But it's Burl Ives performance that steals the show. Easy. The guy had heart, and lent depth to that character. Really a great performance. It's a bit of a rough movie, flared tempers and voices always shouting. It's like one of those really awful family reunions (with death hanging in the air, to boot) you have to sit through. But there's a catharsis at the end of this hard-fought skirmish, and the movie's all the more rewarding for it. Great movie.8/10

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