Book Vs. Movie: Suddenly Last Summer
The 1958 Play Vs.The 1959 Movie
Suddenly Last Summer is a 1959 film based on the play by Tennessee Williams, adapted for the screen by Gore Vidal and Williams himself. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, and Montgomery Clift. The plot revolves around a wealthy widow, Mrs. Violet Venable (played by Hepburn), who seeks to lobotomize her niece, Catherine Holly (played by Taylor), to prevent her from revealing the truth about her son’s death. Montgomery Clift plays Dr. John Cukrowicz, a neurosurgeon who is drawn into the family’s dark and twisted secrets.
The film is notable for its intense performances and its exploration of themes such as mental illness, family secrets, and repressed sexuality. It received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for Hepburn and Taylor.
Which did we (the Margos) prefer? Have a listen to find out.
In this ep, the Margos discuss:
- The backstory of the play
- The life of Tennessee Williams.
- The 1959 Movie Cast: Katherine Hepburn (Vi,) Elizabeth Taylor (Cathy Holly,) Montgomery Clift (Dr. John Cukowicz,) Albert Dekker (Dr. Lawrence J. Hockstader,) Mercedes McCambridge (Grace Holly,) Gary Raymond (George Holly,) Mavis Villiers (Miss Foxhill,) Patricia Marmont (Nurse Benson,) Jean Young (Sister Felicity,) and Maria Brtineva as Lucy.
Clips used:
- “Vi and Cathy Face Off”
- Suddenly Last Summer (1959 trailer)
- Dr. John meets Vi
- Cathy, her brother George, and SIL Grace
- Cathy describes Sebastian’s death.
- Suddenly Last Summer music by Buxton Orr
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