Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) – R. Brooks

Tennessee Williams apparently disowned this movie version of his play, because any clear or direct references to homosexuality were eliminated to appease the Production Code censors, still holding sway over Hollywood in the 1950s (even though his Broadway hit, directed by Elia Kazan, remained intact onstage).  Paul Newman took over Ben Gazzara’s part for the film and Richard Brooks directed.  Newman, Brooks, and Elizabeth Taylor (taking over Barbara Bel Geddes’ part) were nominated for Oscars. Brooks does a reasonable job transferring the play to the screen, though most of the action takes place in one room in a Mississippi manor and by action, I mean dialogue.  Newman (Brick) is a former football star, now an out-of-work alcoholic, married to Taylor (Maggie) who he bluntly does not love and with whom he is not interested in having a physical relationship (hence they have no children).  They have come up from New Orleans to hear the results of the cancer screening for Brick’s father, “Big Daddy” (played by folksinger Burl Ives, whose harshness here is definitely against type – at least from what I remember of the LP we had as kids).  Brick’s brother and sister-in-law and their five kids are also there, making a bid for the inheritance.  On one stormy night, all of the tensions implicit in these family relationships are inflamed and explored and, to some degree, resolved.  Although we don’t really get told that Brick’s guilt over letting down his friend Skipper (ultimately a suicide) years earlier is exacerbated by their same sex love, it isn’t hard to read between the lines, if you are tipped off (as most audiences would be).  Newman puts in a sullen performance and Taylor is shrill and anxious – but both relax by the end of the picture.  I’m not sure whether the ending rings true, perhaps not.  But there is no denying the drama and fine acting on display here.