The Glass Menagerie is one of my favorite plays, proof that I have nothing against Tennessee Williams. I absolutely hate The Rose Tattoo. I can't stand the story, the script, or the acting.
It was written for Anna Magnani to play on Broadway, but her English wasn't good enough at the time. Four years later, Tennessee got to see his dream lady tackle the screen version. Anna plays a pregnant wife unaware that her husband is having an affair. When he dies, she has a miscarriage and decides to hide away in her house forever. Her teenage daughter doesn't want to be like her when she grows up, and her friends and neighbors worry about her.
Where does Burt Lancaster come in? He plays her younger love interest - I know, that takes a little time to absorb. He also plays an Italian idiot, and his accent is just terrible. He's a truck driver that becomes instantly smitten with Anna - which also takes time to absorb - and embarrasses himself time and time again trying to woo her. I don't know why he puts so much effort into her, I don't know why he's such a moron, and I don't know why we're supposed to root for Anna. The only good scene in the film is when Anna meets her daughter's boyfriend and gives him the third-degree. It's every parent's dream to be able to talk to a suitor like that, and only in the movies can they get away with it! If you're looking for a meaningful Tennessee Williams play, this isn't it.
It was written for Anna Magnani to play on Broadway, but her English wasn't good enough at the time. Four years later, Tennessee got to see his dream lady tackle the screen version. Anna plays a pregnant wife unaware that her husband is having an affair. When he dies, she has a miscarriage and decides to hide away in her house forever. Her teenage daughter doesn't want to be like her when she grows up, and her friends and neighbors worry about her.
Where does Burt Lancaster come in? He plays her younger love interest - I know, that takes a little time to absorb. He also plays an Italian idiot, and his accent is just terrible. He's a truck driver that becomes instantly smitten with Anna - which also takes time to absorb - and embarrasses himself time and time again trying to woo her. I don't know why he puts so much effort into her, I don't know why he's such a moron, and I don't know why we're supposed to root for Anna. The only good scene in the film is when Anna meets her daughter's boyfriend and gives him the third-degree. It's every parent's dream to be able to talk to a suitor like that, and only in the movies can they get away with it! If you're looking for a meaningful Tennessee Williams play, this isn't it.