Mame Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An orphaned kid gets stuck with his flamboyant rich aunt who insists life is a banquet, even if her singing sounds like gravel and the stock market just crashed.

🍿 Mame: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unexpected Ward

In the late 1920s, nine-year-old Patrick Dennis’s life changes dramatically after the death of his wealthy father. Per his father’s will, Patrick is sent to live in New York City with his only living relative: his eccentric, free-spirited aunt, Mame Dennis. Tasked with raising Patrick in a ‘traditional’ manner, Mame, a flamboyant socialite, is anything but conventional. Assisted by Patrick’s timid nanny, Agnes Gooch, and overseen by the strict trustee Mr. Babcock, Mame introduces Patrick to her unconventional world.

Life is a Banquet

Mame quickly embraces her role as guardian, exposing Patrick to her bohemian lifestyle filled with artists, actors, and lively parties at her Beekman Place apartment. She believes in experiencing life to the fullest, a stark contrast to the conservative upbringing intended by his father’s will and advocated by Mr. Babcock. Their bond deepens as Patrick adapts to Mame’s world. However, Mame’s lavish spending and disregard for traditional norms frequently clash with Mr. Babcock’s expectations.

Facing Hardship and Finding Love

The stock market crash of 1929 wipes out Mame’s fortune, forcing her to seek employment, often with comical and disastrous results. Mr. Babcock, deeming Mame unfit due to her financial state and influence, sends Patrick to boarding school. Determined to regain custody and support her household, Mame attempts various jobs. She finds unexpected help and eventually love with Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside, a wealthy Southern gentleman.

The Burnside Years

Mame marries Beau and enjoys a period of lavish travel and life on his Southern plantation. She attempts to charm his formidable, traditional family, leading to humorous cultural clashes. Beau’s love and wealth provide stability, allowing Mame to continue living life on her own terms and remain connected to Patrick, even as he grows older and starts to forge his own path.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mame Dennis (Lucille Ball): A flamboyant, eccentric socialite who becomes the unconventional guardian to her orphaned nephew Patrick.
• Young Patrick (Kirby Furlong): Mame’s nine-year-old orphaned nephew who is introduced to a world far removed from his traditional upbringing.
• Older Patrick (Bruce Davison): Mame’s nephew as a young man, struggling to navigate his relationship with Mame and societal expectations.
• Vera Charles (Bea Arthur): Mame’s best friend, a cynical and successful Broadway actress who shares Mame’s wit and love for life.
• Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside (Robert Preston): A wealthy Southern gentleman who marries Mame and embraces her adventurous spirit.
• Agnes Gooch (Jane Connell): Patrick’s timid nanny who is brought into Mame’s chaotic world and experiences a transformation.
• Mr. Babcock (John McGiver): The conservative bank trustee responsible for ensuring Patrick is raised traditionally, often clashing with Mame.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mame Dennis: “Life is a banquet, and most poor sons-of-bitches are starving to death!” – Mame delivers her signature philosophy to young Patrick, encouraging him to embrace life fully.
• Mame Dennis: “We need a little Christmas… right this very minute!” – Said during a period of financial hardship, leading into the famous song about finding joy and hope even in difficult times.
• Mame Dennis: “Straight scotch!” – Mame’s reaction when being introduced to the exceedingly prim and unpleasant Upson family.
• Mame Dennis: “We’ll always be… bosom buddies!” – A line from the iconic duet between Mame and her best friend Vera Charles, celebrating their complicated but enduring friendship.
• Mame Dennis: “I never thought Santa Claus would look so much like Rhett Butler.” – Mame’s witty observation upon meeting Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside, referencing his dashing Southern charm.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,630,181
• Worldwide Gross: $6,630,181

💥 Mame Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, look, I know what everyone says about Mame, but I can’t help but love it. Yes, Lucy’s singing isn’t exactly pitch-perfect, and the soft focus is… noticeable. But honestly, her Mame just has this incredible energy and warmth that shines through. I found myself totally drawn into her world, from the zany parties to the quieter moments with Patrick. The “Bosom Buddies” scene with Bea Arthur is legendary for a reason – their chemistry is electric and hilarious. And the Southern sequence, especially the title song number, is just pure joy! Robert Preston is fantastic, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the fun. It’s definitely a movie with flaws, but for me, the charm and spectacle win out. It feels like a warm hug from a slightly eccentric aunt who just wants you to live a little!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood musicals (with adjusted expectations)”
  • “Devotees of Lucille Ball or Bea Arthur”
  • “Those interested in screen adaptations of popular stage shows”
  • “Viewers who appreciate lavish period costumes and sets”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mixed critical reception (may not meet expectations)”
  • “Lead performance widely considered miscast (particularly singing)”
  • “Dated cultural references and humor”
  • “Slow pacing in parts”

Professional Reviews

• FilmWeekly: “”Mame” is a colossal misfire. Despite a lavish production, the translation from stage to screen feels leaden and lifeless. Lucille Ball, while a comedy legend, is painfully miscast; her vocal limitations and visible age are constantly highlighted, often literally through soft focus. Only Bea Arthur and Jane Connell manage to inject moments of genuine spark, reprising their stage roles with admirable effort, but they aren’t enough to save this sinking ship. A disappointing end to a beloved story.
• The Daily Critic: “While burdened by the notorious miscasting of its lead, “Mame” isn’t a total disaster. The production design is stunning, capturing the Art Deco era beautifully. Jerry Herman’s score remains infectious, even if the performances are uneven. Robert Preston is charming, and Bea Arthur delivers her famous zingers with precision. It’s a film that offers glimpses of the vibrant stage show it came from, but ultimately feels like a well-dressed party where the main guest arrived late and off-key. Worth watching for its fascinating flaws.
• Online Movie Hub: “Forget the naysayers! “Mame” is a grand, old-fashioned movie musical that delivers entertainment. Lucille Ball’s performance, while unconventional, brings a unique warmth and comedic timing to the role. The supporting cast, especially the incomparable Bea Arthur, is stellar. The songs are timeless and the production numbers, particularly the title song sequence, are vibrant and fun. It might not be a perfect adaptation, but it’s a heartfelt and visually rich film that genuinely tries to coax the blues right out of your heart.

Audience Reactions

Bea Arthur and Jane Connell steal their scenes.: The music itself is great, even if the singing is debated. Many appreciate the lavish sets and costumes.

The ‘Bosom Buddies’ and Southern fox hunt scenes are often cited as highlights.: Some fans passionately defend Lucille Ball’s portrayal, seeing her unique take as valid and charming, despite the technical criticisms.

Overall Consensus: Highly polarizing, with many critics and viewers finding Lucille Ball miscast and the film a poor adaptation, while a dedicated fanbase appreciates its entertainment value, production design, and supporting performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Lucille Ball was so negatively impacted by the film’s critical reception and poor box office performance that she reportedly vowed never to make another film.”
• “Despite negative reviews, the film did not actually lose money for Warner Bros.”
• “Angela Lansbury, who originated the role of Mame on Broadway and won a Tony, was not cast due to Warner Bros.’s desire for a bigger box office star, opting for Lucille Ball instead.”
• “Madeline Kahn was originally cast as Agnes Gooch but was fired, with Jane Connell (who played the role on Broadway) replacing her.”
• “Lucille Ball’s close-ups were often filmed using soft focus filters to minimize the appearance of her age.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mame?

The 1974 musical film ‘Mame’ is typically available for digital rental or purchase on major platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Availability on subscription streaming services may vary over time, so check your preferred platform for current options.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Auntie Mame (1958): The non-musical film adaptation of the same source material, starring Rosalind Russell in the iconic role of Mame.
• Hello, Dolly! (1969): Another musical film adaptation of a Jerry Herman stage show, featuring a strong, meddling female lead and lavish production numbers.
• Cabaret (1972): A major musical film released around the same time, representing a shift in the genre towards darker, more complex themes, offering a contrast to ‘Mame’s’ old-fashioned style.
• Driving Miss Daisy (1989): Explores a developing, unconventional friendship over many years between strong personalities, touching on themes of societal change and personal growth.
• Chicago (2002): A highly successful modern film musical adaptation of a classic stage show, demonstrating the enduring appeal and potential for screen musicals in a new era.
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953): Features an iconic female duo with witty banter and memorable musical numbers, representative of the ‘Golden Age’ Hollywood musical style.

🛒 Mame Related Products

• Mame (1974 Film) Blu-ray: Experience the controversial musical adaptation in high definition, featuring the elaborate sets and costumes that divided critics and audiences.
• Mame: Original Broadway Cast Recording (1966): Hear the celebrated performances from the original stage production starring Angela Lansbury, often cited as the benchmark for the musical.
• Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis: The original, bestselling novel that started it all, introducing the unforgettable character of Mame Dennis in her most unfiltered form.
• Art Deco Inspired Decor Poster Prints: Decorate your space with stylish prints capturing the elegance and geometric patterns of the Art Deco era, heavily featured in Mame’s world.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title & St. Bridget” – performed by Jerry Herman, Warner Bros. Studio Orchestra, Jane Connell
• “It’s Today” – performed by Jerry Herman, Lucille Ball and Company
• “Open a New Window” – performed by Jerry Herman, Lucille Ball
• “The Man in the Moon” – performed by Jerry Herman, Bea Arthur
• “My Best Girl” – performed by Jerry Herman, Kirby Furlong
• “We Need a Little Christmas” – performed by Jerry Herman, Lucille Ball and Company
• “Bosom Buddies” – performed by Jerry Herman, Lucille Ball, Bea Arthur
• “Mame” – performed by Jerry Herman, Robert Preston and Company
• “Loving You” – performed by Jerry Herman, Robert Preston
• “If He Walked Into My Life” – performed by Jerry Herman, Lucille Ball

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Miscast Mame — Angela Lansbury vs. Lucille Ball

Ever wonder why the casting of Lucille Ball in *Mame* is still talked about? This video breaks down the debate between her performance and Angela Lansbury’s iconic stage portrayal, offering a super interesting perspective on the movie’s biggest controversy!

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