Auntie Mame Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer
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😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

🍿 Auntie Mame: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Mame Takes Custody

In 1928, young Patrick Dennis is orphaned and sent to live with his unconventional Auntie Mame in New York City. Mame, a flamboyant socialite, embraces life with zest and introduces Patrick to her eccentric circle of friends and her free-spirited lifestyle. This clashes with the wishes of Patrick’s father, who appointed a conservative trustee, Dwight Babcock, to oversee Patrick’s upbringing.

Auntie Mame Scene 1

Adventures and Misadventures

Mame attempts various careers after losing her fortune in the Stock Market Crash of 1929, leading to humorous misadventures. She briefly becomes an actress, a department store saleswoman, and even tries her hand at various odd jobs. Throughout these experiences, Mame teaches Patrick to embrace life’s opportunities and challenges.

Auntie Mame Scene 2

Love and Loss

Mame meets and marries Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside, a wealthy Southern gentleman. Their marriage takes them on a world tour, but tragedy strikes when Beauregard dies in a mountain climbing accident. Mame returns to New York, more determined than ever to live life to the fullest.

Auntie Mame Scene 3

Patrick Grows Up

As Patrick grows older, he becomes influenced by Dwight Babcock and begins to embrace a more conservative lifestyle. He becomes engaged to Gloria Upson, a snobbish debutante from a restricted community. Mame disapproves of Gloria and sets out to break up the engagement, fearing that Patrick is sacrificing his happiness for conformity.

Auntie Mame Scene 4

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

🎬 Cast & Characters

  • Mame Dennis (Rosalind Russell): A flamboyant and unconventional socialite who becomes the guardian of her orphaned nephew, determined to expose him to the joys and eccentricities of life.
  • Patrick Dennis – Younger (Jan Handzlik): The orphaned nephew who is initially bewildered but ultimately charmed by his Auntie Mame’s unconventional lifestyle and spirited approach to life.
  • Patrick Dennis – Older (Roger Smith): The older nephew who, as he matures, struggles between his aunt’s free-spirited influence and societal expectations, creating conflict in their relationship.
  • Dwight Babcock (Fred Clark): The conservative executor of Patrick’s father’s estate who constantly clashes with Mame over the boy’s upbringing and education.
  • Vera Charles (Coral Browne): Mame’s flamboyant and witty best friend, a Broadway actress known for her dramatic flair and occasional drunken escapades.
  • Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside (Forrest Tucker): A wealthy and charming Southern gentleman who becomes Mame’s husband and brings a brief period of stability and romance into her life.
  • Agnes Gooch (Peggy Cass): Mame’s initially timid and repressed secretary who undergoes a dramatic transformation under Mame’s influence, embracing a more liberated lifestyle.

💬 Memorable Quotes

  • Mame Dennis: “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” – Mame’s iconic declaration about seizing the opportunities life offers, said to Agnes.
  • Mame Dennis: “ Darling, don’t be anti-Semitic. Save it for the gentiles.” – A sarcastic remark highlighting Mame’s disdain for prejudice.
  • Vera Charles: “Ohhh—that moon is bright.” – Drunkenly observes the sun after a night of partying.
  • Mame Dennis: “Exclusively what and restrictive to whom?” – Mame’s response to finding out her nephew’s fiancee’s family is from a “restricted” community.

💰Box Office

  • Budget: $2.24M
  • Domestic Gross: None
  • Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Auntie Mame Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore Auntie Mame! Rosalind Russell’s performance is legendary. Her spirit made me want to live life more adventurously. The scene where she crashes Vera’s play is comedic genius. I felt inspired to embrace my own quirks. It’s a movie I can watch again and again.

  • Who would enjoy:
    • “Fans of classic comedies”
    • “Those who appreciate strong female characters”
    • “Viewers interested in stories about unconventional families”
    • “People seeking uplifting and feel-good movies”
  • Content warnings ⚠:
    • “Mild language”
    • “Some mature themes”
    • “Brief references to alcohol and smoking”

Professional Reviews

  • The Hollywood Reporter: “Rosalind Russell shines as the eccentric Auntie Mame, bringing a vibrant energy to the screen. The movie is a delightful romp through the roaring ’20s and beyond, with memorable characters and witty dialogue that still resonates today.
  • Indiewire: “While the film shows it’s age, ‘Auntie Mame’ remains a joyous celebration of individuality. Russell’s performance is a force of nature, and the film’s message of living life to the fullest is timeless, making it an enjoyable viewing experience.
  • Variety: “Auntie Mame is a grand, theatrical spectacle, anchored by Rosalind Russell’s captivating portrayal. The film’s episodic structure can feel a bit disjointed, but the overall exuberance and heartwarming message make it a classic of its era.

Audience Reactions

Rosalind Russell’s unmatched performance is unforgettable: The movie’s enduring message of embracing life’s banquet is a constant source of inspiration.

The witty banter and quotable lines make this a timeless comedy.: The film’s humor and warmth have stood the test of time, making it a classic for all ages.

Overall Consensus: Auntie Mame is a beloved classic celebrated for Rosalind Russell’s iconic performance and its uplifting message of living life to the fullest.

Awards

  1. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1959
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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

  • “Rosalind Russell originated the role of Auntie Mame on Broadway, performing it over 600 times before starring in the film adaptation.”
  • “The film is based on a novel by Patrick Dennis, which was presented as a memoir but was later revealed to be largely fictional.”
  • “The play and film were adapted by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, renowned for their work on musicals like ‘Singin’ in the Rain’.”
  • “Rosalind Russell broke her ankle early in production, causing delays until she recovered”

🖥️ How to Watch Auntie Mame?

Auntie Mame is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. Unfortunately, it is not currently included with any major streaming subscriptions such as Netflix or Hulu.

Auntie Mame Scene 5

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Auntie Mame, you might like these similar films:

  • My Man Godfrey (1936): Features a quirky socialite who takes in a ‘forgotten man,’ similar to Mame’s unconventional acceptance of others.
  • The Women (1939): Also starring Rosalind Russell, this comedy showcases witty dialogue and strong female characters navigating social circles.
  • Victor/Victoria (1982): Explores themes of nonconformity and challenging social norms through a comedic and theatrical lens.
  • Hello, Dolly! (1969): Another big-budget musical adaptation of a stage hit, featuring a larger-than-life female character navigating social situations with humor and flair.
  • The Birdcage (1996): Modern comedy with themes of nonconformity, family, and acceptance, wrapped in flamboyant characters and humor.

🛒 Auntie Mame Related Products

  • Auntie Mame (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition of the classic film, digitally remastered for optimal viewing. Features include behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from film historians.
  • Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade by Patrick Dennis: Ebook version of the original novel that inspired the film. Experience the full wit and charm of Patrick Dennis’s writing, complete with bonus chapters and author’s notes.
  • Auntie Mame ‘Life is a Banquet’ T-Shirt: Premium cotton t-shirt featuring the iconic ‘Life is a Banquet’ quote from the film. Available in various sizes and colors, showcasing your love for Auntie Mame’s philosophy.
  • Auntie Mame Poster Print: High-quality poster print of the original movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or living space. Captures the essence of the film’s vibrant and joyful spirit.

🎧 Soundtrack

Auntie Mame features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

What is the main message of Auntie Mame?

The film’s main message is to embrace life to the fullest, live authentically, and challenge societal norms. It encourages viewers to find joy in every experience and to appreciate the diversity of life.

Is Auntie Mame based on a true story?

Auntie Mame is based on a novel by Patrick Dennis, which is semi-autobiographical. While the characters and events are fictionalized, they are inspired by Dennis’s own experiences and relationships.

Who played Auntie Mame in the Broadway musical?

Angela Lansbury originated the role of Auntie Mame in the Broadway musical adaptation of the story, titled ‘Mame.’ Lucille Ball later starred in the film adaptation of the musical.

🔥 Bonus Content

Miscast Mame — Angela Lansbury vs. Lucille Ball

Ever wondered who else could have played Auntie Mame? This video dives into the possibility of Angela Lansbury or Lucille Ball taking on the iconic role! It’s a fascinating ‘what if’ scenario!

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Rosalind Russell in AUNTIE MAME 🥂 STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies

Want to know if ‘Auntie Mame’ is worth the watch? This classic movie review breaks down Rosalind Russell’s unforgettable performance and why the film still resonates today. I love it when someone gives a well-explained take on older movies!

Auntie Mame – A Rosalind Russell Gift

This video is a beautiful tribute to Rosalind Russell’s iconic portrayal of Auntie Mame. It’s a quick, fun montage that really captures the spirit of the film. Such a lovely way to celebrate a legendary actress!

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