The Glass Menagerie (1987)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Paul Newman

Writer:

Tennessee Williams (play)

Release Date:

12 May 1988 (Australia)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A son longs to escape from his stifling home, where his genteel mother worries about the future prospects of his lame, shy sister. |

Plot Keywords:

Southern Belle | Dysfunctional Family | Handicap | Family Relationships | Domineering Mother

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Joanne Woodward	...	Amanda Wingfield
John Malkovich	...	Tom Wingfield
Karen Allen	...	Laura Wingfield
James Naughton	...	Jim O'Connor (the gentleman caller)

Runtime:

134 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:G | Argentina:Atp | USA:PG

Company:

Cineplex-Odeon Films

Trivia:

The original Broadway stage play "The Glass Menagerie" opened at the Playhouse Theatre on Mar 31, 1945 and ran for 563 performances.

Goofs:

Continuity: As Tom is speaking with Laura in one scene, every time the camera is focused on her, his arms are at his sides in the background. When the camera focuses on him, his arms are crossed. This switches back and forth for an entire scene.

Quotes:

Tom Wingfield: Oh, I could tell you things to make you sleepless! My enemies plan to dynamite this place. They're going to blow us all sky-high some night! And will I be glad, will I be happy, and so will you be! And you'll go up, up, up! over Blue Mountain on a broomstick, with your seventeen gentlemen callers! You ugly, babbling old witch!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Night Court: The Glasnost Menagerie (#7.19)" (1990)

It made me read the book!

I don't usually watch movies like this ... you know ... which is more on the artistic side. I could've just not watched ... but somewhere through it ... I was captivated. I don't know about the other things ... like directing... So I can't say much about that ... but technical stuff apart, I can say ... it is excellent. The theme of three different characters trapped in their different visions... and yet so connected ... We don't have to question Tennessee Williams gift for writing. Aside from that, the characters are played out beautifully. Karen Allen was effective as Laura, subtle and quiet and fragile ...... And John Malkovich ... he makes it so GOOD ... And I'm entirely willing to believe he IS Tom Wingfield himself, regardless of what I've read of critics. He intrigues and captures through every word and action... Or just his presence ... After watching this movie, I actually WANTED to read the play ... out of my own free will. Which is really something! Just watch this movie and let the story and characters overwhelm you.