Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

Casey Duggan It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

Aneesa Wardle The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Stephanie There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

dweilermg-1 A truly brilliant movie that can be enjoyed over and over every time you see it but sadly Lucille Ball's musical remake version (Mame) changing aspects of the original plot, changing some of the characters and replacing many things that made Rosalind Russel's 1958 Auntie Mame a joy to watch with some mediocre acting and lame show tunes. MAME is indeed a musical movie to avoid but Auntie Mame is truly a classic. ☺

kmarcel Auntie Mame (1958) is a triumph of American cinema and a personal favorite. With its wit and charm, it will no doubt win your favor and succeed in touching your heart. At its core, it is a story about family and love. It tells us that family – despite the traditional conception – is not so much about blood as it is about unconditional love.Rosalind Russell is absolutely marvelous in her portrayal of this legendary literary, Broadway and Hollywood heroine! She brings such passion to the screen, capturing that joie de vivre that is so characteristically Mame. She is positively hysterical, and as Diana Vreeland would have put it, she really brings "pizazz!"Russell is without a doubt the star of this film, as she carries the whole thing, however, the performances of Coral Browne, as Vera Charles and Peggy Cass, as Agnes Gooch are priceless. A true comedian is fabulous on his or her own, but there's just something about a comedy duo that is incomparable. The chemistry between Russell and Browne and consequently, Mame and Vera is phenomenal, a true gem in the history comedic achievements! The bedroom scene is, to me, one of the funniest moments in cinematic history; I've seen the film countless times, yet I still laugh as hardily as I did the first time I saw it.Though some may write off Auntie Mame as another campy 50's comedy, it is most certainly not that. It is a special film of many dimensions, and it is as touching as it is funny. I can think of few films that have made me cry in all the three ways, from overwhelming laughter, joy and empathetic sorrow. Perhaps Auntie Mame will not provoke such a response from all its viewers, but I guarantee that it will unexpectedly warm the hearts of everyone who sees it. It is a delight that everyone should experience at least once, perhaps more. It's a largely forgotten treasure that uplifts and still stands the test of time. It belongs to that glorious breed of film that has no targeted, niche audience and that is appealing to all. P.S. For anyone considering becoming a parent, you must watch this film; it will surely inspire you!

Like_Wu_told_me Going into this movie, I had an open mind but expected a stagy, dated comedy. I was very pleasantly surprised to find a snappy, frank, and surprisingly fresh comedy filled with delightful performances and dialogue, colorful costumes and set designs, and a clichéd but solid message about life. Rosalind Russell plays Mame Dennis, who takes in her nephew Patrick (Jan Handzlik) after her brother unexpectedly dies. What ensues is a very fun romp about the adventures and trials of Mame and Patrick over 9 years as he grows up and they weather the Great Depression. The film is populated by a wide assortment of colorful, entertaining characters and comedic situations. And, for a 54-year-old movie, I actually found it to be hilarious. I laughed out loud several times throughout, for example when Mame at one point tries to mount a horse, and the dialogue is genuinely funny without straining too hard, with jokes rarely falling flat. The film's comedic success is amplified by its enormous heart, which takes center stage during several dramatic, emotional moments. The film wears its heart on its sleeve but never lapses into overdone sentimentality. As the movie's famous line goes, "Life's a banquet, and some poor suckers are starving to death." The film's message to live your own way and to the fullest no matter what really resonates, even if it is a bit unoriginal. The film takes thinly veiled shots at the norms, prejudices, and judgments of mid-20th century American society. It has a blast shooting down anti-Semitism, socioeconomic elitism, social judgment (involving such topics as unmarried pregnancy), to name a few, and it's 143-minute runtime flies by. The film itself, especially the cast, seems to be having a great time as it progresses, and I couldn't help but to be sucked right in. The performances are very good across the board. Rosalind Russell is just perfect as Mame, capturing her larger-than-life personality and big heart. She's an ace at spouting out the character's lightning-fast lines with impeccable comic timing. Coral Browne also gives a great comic performance as Vera, although she doesn't have as much depth as Russell. The rest of the supporting cast are all very good as well. Jan Handzlik is endearing and funny as a young Patrick, and Peggy Cass is outstanding in a paper-thin role (she did a good job, but her Oscar nomination is perplexing). I also thought Joanna Barnes was a riot as Gloria, and Lee Patrick and Willard Waterman are excellent as her parents. Overall, Auntie Mame is a hugely entertaining, even uplifting movie filled with wacky characters, spot-on comedic performances, hilarious writing, and a big heart. It's not the deepest movie you'll ever see, or the least conventional, but it's an absolute delight. Highly recommended.

secondtake Auntie Mame (1958)Rosalind Russell is a marvel, and she rules the ship here, thankfully. As a movie, overall, it hasn't worn well. The humor (and it is a comedy above all) is a product of some uptight 1950s Hollywood stuffiness, and the filming (the photography and editing both) are stiff. The movie is filled with rich color, and is sharp as a tack (it uses the superior Technirama lens and camera equipment, as well as newer one-part Technicolor color), but this is hardly compensation for a really dull product.Worst of all, I think, is the story. It attempts to spice up things (mainly, at first, by exposing a child to adult humor, which doesn't totally slip past him) before the Hays Code fell away. It has a kind of "How to Marry a Millionaire" or "Pillow Talk" kind of obvious, forced story line, and if you love those movies, you might truly enjoy this one. But even if you do, you might find that many of the jokes are old, even for 1958. There really are portions, in small spurts, that are touching, or even (I do admit) funny, and some of the music is so period and scintillating, it works. Above and beyond all complaints, I find, popping back and forth through it again (and avoiding the "story" per se), the set designs are really about as good as it gets. Scenes are color coordinated with exquisite perfection, like the department store scene (the one with the Tinker Toys) where it's all grey and red. Great stuff. And the modern apartment with the rising and falling benches (you'll see) is amazing 1950s stuff, pure Moderne. Love it.But that doesn't mean you'll love the movie. Go prepared.