Auntie Mame

Auntie Mame, starring Rosalind Russell, is a charming comedy-drama movie from 1958 that tells the story of a free-spirited woman who becomes the unlikely guardian of her orphaned nephew. The movie is based on the book by Patrick Dennis and the subsequent stage play, and was directed by Morton DaCosta.

The story follows the adventures of Mame Dennis (Russell), a wealthy and eccentric socialite who lives in 1920s New York City. Mame is known for her flamboyant personality, her love of parties and adventure, and her complete disregard for the expectations of others. She is passionate about life and determined to live it on her own terms, despite the disapproval of her more conservative family members.

When her brother dies, leaving behind his young son Patrick (Jan Handzlik), Mame is named as the boy's guardian. At first, Mame is unsure of how to handle the responsibility of raising a child, but she quickly rises to the challenge. She takes Patrick under her wing, introducing him to the world of art, culture, and bohemian living that she loves so much.

As Patrick grows up, Mame's influence on him becomes more and more apparent. He becomes an artistic and free-thinking young man, much to the dismay of his uptight trustee Mr. Babcock (Tucker). Babcock is convinced that Mame is an unfit guardian for Patrick, and he plots to remove him from her care and place him in a boarding school.

The conflict between Mame and Babcock provides much of the conflict in the movie, and leads to several hilarious and heartwarming scenes. Mame is consistently shown to be the more sympathetic and loving caregiver, and her relationship with Patrick is deeply touching.

Despite the challenges that Mame faces along the way, she never loses her sense of joy and wonder. She lives life to the fullest, and encourages Patrick to do the same. Along the way, they meet a colorful cast of characters, including Mame's best friend Vera Charles (Browne), a boozy actress with a big heart.

The performances in Auntie Mame are exceptional, with Russell giving a tour-de-force turn as the titular character. She is luminous and charismatic, and makes Mame an unforgettable figure. Browne is also delightful as Vera, providing comic relief and moments of genuine pathos.

The movie is expertly directed by DaCosta, with beautiful cinematography and vibrant production design that bring the world of 1920s New York to life. The screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green is witty and intelligent, with memorable dialogue and clever wordplay.

Overall, Auntie Mame is an absolute delight. It is a charming and uplifting movie that celebrates the joys of life and the power of love. It is a must-see for fans of classic cinema, and a testament to the enduring power of Rosalind Russell's talent.