Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

To celebrate the life and career of Elizabeth Taylor, I re-watched the classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. This movie is based on a play by Tennessee Williams and brilliantly showcases Ms. Taylor in her prime. Also in his prime, is Paul Newman as her husband. In their heyday, I can’t imagine two more gorgeous people than Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor, and the bonus is they can act.

In the movie, Paul Newman plays a good time party boy (Brick) who has fallen out of love with his wife (Maggie) and into the bottle. They return to Brick’s boyhood home to celebrate the birthday of his father, Big Daddy. Also in attendance are Brick’s mother, brother, sister-in-law and his annoying nieces and nephews.

All is not well in this household. There is tension between every member of the family. Much of the tension stems from the pending disposition of Big Daddy’s estate. Big Daddy has cancer but doesn’t realize he is terminal. The tension mounts as a storm builds outside. As the storm breaks, so do the emotional dams in the house. Buried secrets (including Big Daddy’s diagnosis) come to the surface and the tension inside abates as the storm eases.

In the end, airing the secrets allow the family dynamics to strengthen and heal. The marriage between Brick and Maggie is salvaged and Big Daddy’s desires for his legacy will be heeded.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof gets five solid stars. The acting is superb, the direction flawless and the cinematography captivating. This movie really makes me miss the early stars of Hollywood. I don’t think there will ever be another Paul Newman or Elizabeth Taylor. The movie shouldn’t be missed.

Michelle D. Kieffaber