Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1976) (TV)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Robert Moore

Writers:

Tennessee Williams (play)
Tennessee Williams (screenplay)

Release Date:

6 December 1976 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

The story of conflicts, power plays and secrets in a wealthy Mississippi family. |

Plot Keywords:

Southern U.S. | Family Gathering | Impotence | Terminal Illness | Homosexuality

Cast

Laurence Olivier	...	Big Daddy
Natalie Wood	...	Maggie
Robert Wagner	...	Brick
Maureen Stapleton	...	Big Mama
Jack Hedley	...	Gooper
Mary Peach	...	Mae
Heidi Rundt	...	Dixie
Sean Saxon	...	Sonny
Mark B. Taylor	...	Buster
Elizabeth Caparros	...	Trixie
Jennifer Hughes	...	Polly
Sam Mansary	...	Lacey
Gladys Taylor	...	Daisy
Nadia Catouse	...	Brightie
George Harris	...	Sookey

Also Known As:

Laurence Olivier Presents: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (UK) (series title)

Runtime:

USA:100 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Granada Television

Trivia:

The original play "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams opened at the Morosco Theater in New York on March 24, 1955, ran for 694 performances and was nominated for the 1956 Tony Award (New York City) for the Best Play. The play also won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama in 1955.

Movie Connections:

Version of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1984) (TV)

Natalie Wood triumphs

Natalie Wood and Elizabeth Taylor had one thing in common -- beauty and a delectable innate sexiness. So it makes sense that both would tackle Tennesse Williams Maggie the Cat, in "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof."

In this version of "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof," its clear that the characters of Brick and Maggie the Cat are older. But, that makes the drama just that much more believable and interesting. They've put on a few years, which enhances the desperation of all the characters to achieve their goals and needs.

Maggie will not allow herself and Brick to miss out on the financial safety net that gives her a sense of peace. Brick, is even more on the edge from burying his feelings about his dead school friend and former football teammate, whom he probably held an unacceptable sexual attraction for.

The heart of this presentation is Natalie Wood's incredible portrayal of Maggie the Cat. She brings a sensuality to the part that makes the audience believe that she will triumph in her endeavors. Against all odds. And these odds are great in this unwatered down production.

Maggie the Cat has a tougher time in this version. In the 1958 film version starring Taylor and Paul Newman, the filmmakers couldn't explore Bricks' sexuality.

In this 1976 TV version, its fully explored per the original intentions of the author. Maggie is trying against the odds to seduce a husband whose attraction leans in another direction, to achieve her goal -- security. To please an old man that she admires and loves. To win back her true love? Maybe.

In the end, my money is on Nat!

Robert Wagner gives one of his best (and true to the character performances). Brick is a drunk -- and Wagner portrays him as just that. Sir Olivier connects with his co-stars, as do the other supporting actors.

The most substantial drawback in this production are -- the production values itself. The Director plans his shots like a bad soap opera. His camera is often aimed too close when he should be wide to capture the scenery and reactions of other players. His cuts are at times jarring. He misses performances through terrible shot selection.

Still, its long past due for this classic to be released to video tape, if only to see the beauty that is and was Natalie Wood, and the classic wonder that is Sir Olivier and company.