Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

     This adaptation of Tennessee William’s classic play is nothing short of miraculous. Director and writer, Richard Brooks, not only brought the play to life on the silver screen, he also cast the parts with the biggest names in Hollywood at the time. If I’m being completely truthful, I had never watched an Elizabeth Taylor movie. Wow, was I missing out!

     The movie begins with Brick (Paul Newman) reliving his glory days as he hurdles down the track and finally crashes to the ground in a drunken stupor. From the onset of this film, it is clear that Brick has a severe alcoholic addiction, which has taken over his very being. We are quickly transported to the next day and our leading man drowning his sorrows on his sofa with his foot in a cast. His wife, Maggie “the cat” (Taylor), enters and begins a conversation with her betrothed. Through their interaction, it is apparent that there is trouble in paradise and reconciliation does not appear to be an option. This is unfortunate as the couple are spending time at Brick’s parents home to celebrate his father’s birthday and to be there for support as Big Daddy (Burl Ives) receives the news of his current health condition.

     Brick is withdrawn and would have preferred not to return to speak to his father. However, because of the news of his father’s health and through the insistence of Maggie, he reluctantly agrees to attend the celebration. During the time with this dysfunctional family, we get a glimpse of why Brick has developed some, if not all, of his personality traits. The one most glaring trait is how similar he and his father treat their wives. That apple didn’t fall too far from the tree! His father, a narcissistic and uncaring person, considers himself a self-made man. Throughout the entire film, the father shows his favoritism towards Brick and all but ignores his other son. This creates friction between the two wives, who generally want to be included in Big Daddy’s will if and when he meets his demise.

     The story takes a unique twist as the father finds out that he is in-fact going to die an early death. He reflects on his life, with Brick, and they discuss his lack of love for the family. In the process, Big Daddy remembers his father who he indicates was a lonely hobo who couldn’t leave his son anything but a suitcase with some worthless clothes. He and Brick reflect on how his father left him with love, which is much greater than the vast fortune he is about to bestow upon his family. They both have an epiphany about the love for father and son, in addition to the love they have for their wives.

     Cat On A Hot Tin Roof should be viewed by all! This is an impeccable film that delivers on every level. Elizabeth Taylor was stunning in not only her performance, but in her sheer elegance and beauty throughout this film. Newman captured his role with the gusto worthy of an Oscar. This film took sultry and sexy to an entirely different level without being cheap and raunchy. I give it a solid five-star rating. In addition, I believe I am a Liz Taylor fan! If you’ve never seen Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, it’s a definite must see classic. Oddly enough, as Taylor passed away this year she has left us with more than just a suitcase. She has left a legacy of amazing films that will forever hold her place in American film history. Did I mention that I loved this movie! I have no idea how this movie missed out on an Oscar. Unthinkable!

That's How Matt Sees It!