February 4th: SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER (Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1959)

A psychiatrist attempts to uncover the truth behind the severe trauma that institutionalized a young woman and determine if she should be lobotomized.

Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Tennessee Williams was one of the most acclaimed playwrights of the 20th century, known for his depictions of mental illness and other formerly taboo subjects like homosexuality and prostitution. His florid, atmospheric works were often tailor-made for film adaptations, luring some of Hollywood's most talented actors, and resulting in classics such as A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

Suddenly, Last Summer was based on Williams' one-act play and adapted for the screen by writer and political firebrand Gore Vidal, whose surprisingly explicit script suffered little censorship by the still-in-place Production Code and the National League Of Decency. Producer Sam Spiegel (Lawrence Of Arabia) acquired the rights to the play in collaboration with Oscar-winner Joseph L. Mankiewicz (All About Eve).

Elizabeth Taylor, currently Hollywood's biggest star, agreed to do the film on the condition that a role was given to her close friend Montgomery Clift (the two had previously starred together in A Place In The Sun. Clift, a method actor and former matinee idol, had suffered a horrific car crash requiring plastic surgery, and had since become addicted to painkillers and alcohol. Screen legend Katharine Hepburn also joined the cast for one of her most iconic, strange performances.

Despite being set in New Orleans, the Southern Gothic trappings of were created and shot on soundstages in London. The main sets were the mansion and garden of Hepburn's character, realized with the help of mass amounts of imported greenery and antique furniture. The European flashback sequences were shot on location in various parts of Spain and the island of Majorca.

Clift's difficulties due to his physical and mental condition resulted in harsh treatment by Mankiewicz and efforts to replace him. This resulted in a major rift between the director and Hepburn. The composer of the film's score was so disturbed by the sordid nature of the material he left before its
completion.

The film was released to mostly positive reviews, but was denounced by many in the press for its content and amorality. It was a big box office success, and resulted in Academy Award nominations for Hepburn, Taylor, and the art direction.

Running time is approx. 2 hrs.