Suddenly, Last Summer

Genre: psychological drama
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Release: 1959
Studio: Horizon Pictures – Columbia
Rating: -
MBiS score: 8.4/10


What’s On Your Mind, Catherine Holly?


When the new neurosurgeon at Lyons View asylum, Dr. Cukrowicz (Montgomery Clift), objects to his working conditions and threatens to go back to Chicago, the asylum director, Dr. Hockstader (Albert Dekker), pleads with him to stay on. Hockstader doesn’t deny that his institution lacks even the basics but he’s convinced that a local philanthropist, Mrs. Violet Venable (Katharine Hepburn), will provide it with much-needed cash. There is one possible hitch, however: Mrs. Venable wants Cukrowicz to perform a lobotomy on her disturbed niece, Catherine Holly (Elizabeth Taylor). With Mercedes McCambridge (Mrs. Grace Holly, Catherine’s mother), Gary Raymond (George Holly, Catherine’s brother) and Mavis Villiers (Miss Foxhill, Violet’s secretary).

Yes, this kooky film may be difficult to size up… but some background info will certainly help. SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER is based on a play by Tennessee Williams and takes place circa 1938 in New Orleans (typical Williams country). It’s essentially a tragic tale sprinkled with symbolism, ferocious humour and grisly stories about plants, turtles and bugs. On screen, it translates into an interesting, wholly convincing and expertly rendered film that will satisfy all movie buffs.

In SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER, you will find some features emblematic of the theatre, like a slow narrative buildup, a clear emphasis on psychology and conflict, truths uncovered piecemeal and precise, instructive dialogues. Moreover, you’ll meet vigorous characters representative of Williams’ world. Violet, a Southern aristocrat, reminded me of two other of the playwright’s creations, Amanda Wingfield (THE GLASS MENAGERIE) and Blanche DuBois (A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE); the patently troubled Catherine may also recall Tom Wingfield, Amanda’s impatient and rebellious son. To support these two strong characters, Williams has imagined the suspicious-looking Holly family that witnesses the drama while Cukrowicz and Hockstader plan the operation. As for themes developed, you will again recognize Williams’ handiwork and logical, masterful storytelling… but I won’t go into details. Patience is a virtue and SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER handsomely rewards the patient viewer.

Formally, Joseph L. Mankiewicz and crew have done justice to Williams’ play, delivering a motion picture poetic in its horror and awesome in its power. The film showcases two of the greatest actresses to have graced the screen, Katharine Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, in memorable, powerhouse roles. An inspired supporting cast does the rest, especially Montgomery Clift and Mercedes McCambridge whose stunningly funny turn contrasts with her rock-hard rendition of Sadie Burke in ALL THE KING’S MEN. Form and content lead to an unpredictable and potent climax that will stay with you long after the movie’s final frames have dissolved from the screen.

Luck may have nothing to do with it but, nevertheless, I hope you’re lucky enough to catch SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER. As Violet would say ‘[…] what a blessing, Doctor, to be just peaceful. To be just suddenly peaceful. After all that horror. After those nightmares.’


MBiS

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