The Night of the Iguana Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A defrocked priest, a sexually repressed lesbian, and a woman who’s clearly been through it all get drunk at a hotel in Mexico and talk about iguanas… or maybe just *being* the iguana.

🍿 The Night of the Iguana: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Rev. Shannon

Rev. T. Laurance Shannon, a defrocked priest, now works as a tour guide in Mexico. He’s leading a group of Baptist women, facing inner turmoil and battling his past. His strained mental state hints at prior transgressions and the loss of his former position. The story opens with his frayed nerves already close to the breaking point.

The Tour and Charlotte’s Advances

The tour intensifies Shannon’s stress as he struggles with Charlotte Goodall, a provocative teenager. Her flirtatious behavior and open pursuit of Shannon adds to his already mounting pressures. Miss Fellowes, Charlotte’s chaperone, distrusts Shannon, escalating the conflict and threatening his livelihood.

Arrival at Maxine’s Hotel

To avoid Miss Fellowes’s accusations, Shannon diverts the tour group to a secluded hotel run by his friend Maxine Faulk. Maxine’s establishment provides a remote backdrop for the characters’ confrontations. The isolated setting amplifies their emotional struggles and forces them to confront their demons.

Hannah and Nonno’s Arrival

Hannah Jelkes and her grandfather, Nonno, arrive at the hotel, seeking refuge. Their presence brings a calming influence and introduces new perspectives. Hannah’s quiet strength and Nonno’s artistic spirit offer a counterpoint to the surrounding chaos.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• T. Laurance Shannon (Richard Burton): A defrocked Episcopal clergyman grappling with his faith and personal demons while leading a tour group in Mexico.
• Maxine Faulk (Ava Gardner): A sensual and pragmatic hotel owner who provides refuge and companionship to Shannon while dealing with her own loneliness.
• Hannah Jelkes (Deborah Kerr): A resilient and compassionate itinerant artist who offers Shannon a path toward self-acceptance and peace.
• Charlotte Goodall (Sue Lyon): A sexually precocious teenager whose infatuation with Shannon triggers conflict and exposes his vulnerabilities.
• Judith Fellowes (Grayson Hall): The prudish and controlling leader of the Baptist women, who views Shannon as a threat to Charlotte’s virtue.
• Nonno (Cyril Delevanti): An elderly poet whose final poem offers a message of acceptance and hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• T. Laurance Shannon: “Nothing! That’s the operative word. Nothing!” – Shannon’s despairing outburst as he contemplates the apparent meaninglessness of his life and faith.
• Maxine Faulk: “Blow the candles out, Shannon, and commit a mortal sin with me.” – Maxine’s direct and seductive proposition to Shannon, reflecting her desire and pragmatic approach to life.
• Hannah Jelkes: “We all have to make accommodations, I suppose.” – Hannah’s observation about the compromises people make to survive and find peace.
• Judith Fellowes: “Please take your hands OFF my arm!” – Miss Fellowes’ frequent and shrill command, delivered whenever Shannon attempts to touch or restrain her.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $4,357

💥 The Night of the Iguana Reviews

Personal Review

I loved the way ‘The Night of the Iguana’ really dug into the characters. The setting felt so real and hot, like you were right there sweating with them. Deborah Kerr’s performance really got to me, she found a way to be strong and vulnerable. When they were talking about their struggles, it really hit home, it’s like you see everyone for who they are in that one scene. The ending felt hopeful, which is something you don’t always get in these kinds of movies.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Tennessee Williams’ works”
  • “Those interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate classic Hollywood films with strong performances”
  • “People seeking stories about redemption and self-discovery”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of sexual misconduct”
  • “Mature language”
  • “Depictions of mental distress”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Huston’s direction brings out the raw intensity of Williams’ characters. Burton, Gardner, and Kerr deliver compelling performances that explore the complexities of human connection and the search for meaning.
• Variety: “A well-acted and thought-provoking adaptation. The film successfully captures the play’s themes of despair and redemption, though some may find its pacing slow. The performances are all strong, particularly Ava Gardner’s.

Audience Reactions

Richard Burton’s performance as a troubled priest is mesmerizing and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the powerful acting and the film’s ability to explore deep emotional themes.

The atmosphere of the Mexican hotel is captivating and enhances the story’s intensity.: The setting is almost universally lauded for creating a palpable sense of isolation and introspection.

Overall Consensus: A compelling drama marked by outstanding performances and exploration of complex themes, though some may find the pacing slow.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1964

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Huston famously gave gold-plated guns to the cast, anticipating on-set tensions arising from the complex relationships and personalities involved. Elizabeth Taylor, living with Richard Burton at the time, was a frequent visitor to the set.”
• “The remote location in Mismaloya, Mexico, initially lacked adequate infrastructure, requiring the production to bring in its own electricity generators and water supply.”
• “Tennessee Williams himself was reportedly involved in adapting his play for the screen, although his contributions were not always credited.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Night of the Iguana?

Currently, ‘The Night of the Iguana’ can be streamed on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV for rental or purchase. Check local listings for television airings. Physical copies of the film are also available through online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Night of the Iguana, you might like these similar films:

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): Explores similar themes of broken dreams, dysfunctional relationships, and the corrosive effects of alcohol, set within a claustrophobic, theatrical atmosphere.
• The Misfits (1961): Also directed by John Huston, it features flawed characters grappling with disillusionment and existential angst in a remote setting.
• A Streetcar Named Desire (1951): Another Tennessee Williams adaptation focusing on characters struggling with inner demons, societal pressures, and fading dreams.
• Sunset Boulevard (1950): An exploration of fading fame, desperation, and the dark side of human ambition, features flawed characters in a decaying setting.

🛒 The Night of the Iguana Related Products

• The Night of the Iguana (Tennessee Williams): Experience the original play by Tennessee Williams. Delve into the rich dialogue and complex characters. Perfect for fans of classic literature and drama.
• Richard Burton: A Life: Explore the life and career of Richard Burton. Discover the story behind his iconic performances. A must-read for fans of classic Hollywood.
• Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations: Dive into the life of the stunning Ava Gardner, told in her own words. An intimate look at the actress behind the legend.
• Deborah Kerr: A Biography: Discover the remarkable life and career of Deborah Kerr. Learn about the actress’s journey and her many memorable performances.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Chiapanecos” – performed by Traditional Mexican folk dance

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Deborah Kerr. Behind the scenes & interview

Ever wonder what it was like on the set of ‘The Night of the Iguana’? This video gives you a peek behind the curtain, plus a cool interview with Deborah Kerr where she shares her thoughts on classic Hollywood!

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE from STEVE HAYES

Interested in ‘The Night of the Iguana’ but want to know more about Tennessee Williams first? Check out this video where they discuss a bunch of his movies, including this one. I thought it was a great way to see how they all fit together!

The Messed-Up Life and Death of Sue Lyon (Lolita)

Ever wonder what happened to the young star of Lolita who was also in The Night of the Iguana? It’s a pretty tragic story, but this video is definitely worth watching. You won’t believe what she went through!

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