Auntie Mame (Widescreen): Amazon.ca: DVD: DVD

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Remember darlings, "Life's a banquet, and most suckers are starving to death." That tag line sums up this exuberant and immensely amusing 1958 comedy that can be seen repeatedly, as it never grows stale. Rosalind Russell plays the flamboyant aunt who takes in poor, orphaned Patrick, played with sophisticated ease by Jan Handzlik. Mame, all glitter and martinis, raises her nephew in a world filled with acceptance and her oddball literati friends. Nothing is too bohemian. This unfolds in colorful episodic segments that allow us to watch Patrick grow as Mame oversees his unusual upbringing while she juggles a few spouses and an extended household. Russell, who created the title role for the stage, simply shines. She is bright and brassy, but never goes too far over the top. Peggy Cass is a comedic delight as her befuddled secretary, and Coral Browne brings class to the production as her best friend. This was based on the exuberant stage play, which in turn was based on Patrick Dennis's humorous, bittersweet novel. The screen version was written by the clever duo of Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Not to be confused with the pathetically lackluster musical version starring Lucille Ball (1974), simply entitled Mame. --Rochelle O'Gorman

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Customer Reviews

112 Reviews

5 star:		(103)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

Average Customer Review

4.7 out of 5 stars (112 customer reviews)

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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite DVDs, May 5 2004

By

Raechel Reiter "raechelr" (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

Ce commentaire est de: Auntie Mame (Widescreen) (DVD)

I bought this as soon as it came out on DVD. I just got around to reviewing it.

The sound is not as great as I'd like but it is a must have.
Image quality is stunning. This movie makes me wish I had a huge tv and not just a 36".

This is one of the best written films. You will watch again and again. My fiancee doesn't normally watc older films. He has seen this one over and over. He will start reading or playing on the pc and always sets it aside to watch one more time with me. You can't help yourself. That is the best praise I can think of.

Buy this dvd. I can't think of anyone who would dislike it. Seriously. It was a hit play and a hit movie.

If you like old movies and this one try "the Women" on DVD. Not as broad of an appeal. But the same quick wit and same sort of humour. And Rosalind Russell, Norma Shearer, and Joan Crawford too.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Great movie, great transfer, too bad there's no DVD extras, Mar 24 2004

By A Customer

Ce commentaire est de: Auntie Mame (Widescreen) (DVD)

I just finished Richard Tyler Jordan's delightful, illuminating and photo-filled new (2004) paperback original, BUT DARLING, I'M YOUR AUNTIE MAME: THE AMAZING HISTORY OF THE WORLD'S FAVORITE MADCAP AUNT and I learned so much about how the Auntie Mame character was created by Patrick Dennis (a.k.a. Edward Tanner) and how she evolved from the novel to a Broadway play, smash hit movie with Rosalind Russell, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical starring Angela Lansbury and finally a movie musical starring Lucille Ball. That book sent me back to the original motion picture and what a joy it is to see in widescreen and with such a crisp picture quality. My only complaint is that Warner Brothers was pretty skimpy on the extras--besides a trailer, the only other extra is the ability to play the entiure movie without dialogue and sound effects, but just listen to the music. Um, yeah....that will be something everyone will want to do. A commentary track by MAME historian Richard Tyler Jordan or Patrick Dennis biographer (UNCLE MAME) Eric Myers would have been great fun!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable Rosalind Makes a Mahvelous Mame!!!, Mar 21 2004

By

Danielle Bennignus - See all my reviews

Ce commentaire est de: Auntie Mame (Widescreen) (DVD)

My absolute favorite film of all time - and finally in DVD format!!! Could life get any better?!
It's a great joy to at last be able to view Auntie Mame's trailers, and the picture quality provided by DVD is a great improvement over VHS. But enough of the technical stuff - let's get on to the film!
I don't know quite where to start in singing the praises of Auntie Mame - the humor, the message, the music, the costumes (oh, God - such wonderful costumes - Orry Kelly's best), everything - timeless in its charm. Rosalind Russell is just amazing - her portrayal of this legendary character is perfection itself. And her supporting actors are just marvelous, as well - Coral Browne as Vera Charles is tremendous. And whoever says that the role of Ito is an embarrassment takes life too seriously. The film flows beautifully, and makes one wonder, "why does this ever have to end?" One can easily see that the film is based on Patrick Dennis' stage play, complete with fade-outs, but that doesn't take anything away from it. Rather, I feel it adds to the charm.
If you haven't seen Auntie Mame, please do so. If you haven't seen it in awhile, have another look. And if you've just seen it recently, isn't it worth another viewing? This film is just that good - timeless humor and touching soul. My only question is...why on earth did they have to go and create that monstrosity with Lucille Ball? It brings down the integrity of this film, a real crime.
Please consider purchasing this DVD, even if you already have the film on VHS. The special features are really great, and the picture quality is improved immensely. Also, if you haven't read the book, definitely give it a chance. I think it's even better than the film - there's so much to it that just couldn't fit into the film.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars funny and entertaining
The plot is a little off the wall, but that's what makes this movie entertaining and funny. Safe for all ages to watch.

Published on Dec 10 2009 by cranberry

5.0 out of 5 stars Life is a banquet........
And most poor fans of Lucille Ball will be starving to death. I still have this and it's counterpart on tape. Lisez davantage

Published on May 1 2004 by Eric Pregosin